On Monday 25th of September, more than sixty women gathered at the superb installations of Gold on 27, at the Burj Al Arab, to be part of the second session of Levelling the Playing Field Series with Brandy Scott. The afternoon event was made up of selected topics regarding the reality faced by mums who want to get back to work after taking a career break in the UAE.

After welcoming everyone, Brandy Scott, as moderator of the panel discussion, acknowledged the sad position women are put into when they have no other option but to give up their careers to raise their kids. “The idea that you have to be either dedicated to yourself or to your family is not helpful in this life”, she said. She also added that combining children with career is possible, a statement that was the center of discussion throughout the conversation.

Helen McGuire, Hopscotch’s co-founder, and Louise Karim, co-founder of Mumsatwork, were among the panelists that held the conversation around this issue, honoring their commitments as signatory members of the United Nations Global Compact Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). The panel also included the presence of experts in the field of negotiation, labor law, and HR recruitment.

The speakers shared their knowledge, insight, and advice on subjects that were a concern among the audience, such as career choices for women with kids, flexible jobs, maternity leave and career shift. The panelists also gave advice on how to upgrade negotiation skills and how to deal with the difficult subject of telling your boss you are starting a family.

The working mums present were also inspired by the personal experiences that some of the panelists shared. These admirable women acknowledged some of their difficulties and anecdotes on how they manage to balance career and motherhood.

During the questions and answers session, a wide concern among the female audience was showcased, regarding the lack of opportunity offered to those mums looking for a flexible job to get back to work; a reality that companies such Hopscotch and Mumsatwork, are trying to overcome.

Women’s empowerment has many different forms, and there’s no doubt that creating flexible jobs for talented women who want to partake on the workforce, is one of them. Having this option available benefits the companies, women, and society.

If your company is also working towards women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community, and you are interested in becoming an active member of our task force, please do not hesitate to contact us to find more about how you can join.