Equivalence

In 2019, the UAE advanced 23 positions on the UNDP Gender Equality Index to 26th globally and is now leading the Arab world in terms of gender equality.

In this first installment of a series about gender equity in the Arab world, Sophie chats with Mercedes Monserrate, associate director for International Affairs at Abu Dhabi Global Market, the financial centre of the United Arab Emirates' capital.

They discuss her journey, UAE gender parity initiatives, and the efforts led by Abu Dhabi to become a leading destination to work and grow a diverse business.

Jean Michel and Sophie talk about the crucial role of male allies in increasing gender equity in the workplace, how he became such a passionate advocate, and how making the business case for diversity is not enough. Men get rallied by the heart!

Ruth and Sophie discuss the challenges older women face in the workplace but also the opportunity it opens for entrepreneurship, new consumer markets and what needs to be done to support these businesses addressing an underrepresented age group.

Sophie invites Hermoine to share her experience as a TV reporter, her love for the Middle East and what drives her philanthropic work in conflict zones.