In its very first edition in the Middle East, Roche Diagnostics Middle East shared D&I best practices for an engaging and positive workplace; mirroring the UAE’s vision for tolerance
Brought by the Global Diversity Council, the platform highlighted the importance of creating synergies across the region to foster diversity through partnerships, advocacy, and education
UAE, Dubai, 27 November 2019 – Bringing the importance of diversity and inclusion to the forefront was the mission of the very first edition of the Women in Leadership symposium held today by the Global Diversity Council. Carrying the theme of “Stepping Up and Speaking Out”, the conference brought together women in leadership across various industries to share experiences and discuss the importance of fostering an environment that is conducive to diversity and inclusion, amidst increasing changes and challenges in the workplace.
“Supporting women to step up into leadership across different roles and industries will have tremendous cultural and economic benefits. With women at the helm, companies are more inclined to introduce family-friendly policies, new talents, and promoting tolerance in many aspects” said Maysoun Ramadan, Head of Human Resources and Corporate Communications at Roche Diagnostics Middle East, who shared Roche’s experience in the Middle East and emphasized the impact mentorship can have in advocating for diversity and inclusion amongst the workforce.
On this occasion, Angeles Valenciano, CEO of the Global Diversity Council said: “We are both excited and honored to bring our signature Women in Leadership Symposium to the UAE for the first time during the Year of Tolerance. It is fitting to hold a women empowerment event in a region focused on instilling the values of co-existence and peace in local, regional and international communities.” She added: “Touching on the values of tolerance, our Women in Leadership symposium brings together a diverse mix of successful leaders who – through dialogue about topics that relate to contemporary issues – will help to educate, inspire, and empower attendees to reflect on their own personal and professional goals, and encourage them to become leaders within their workplace and community.” She underscored the importance of women empowerment which spans borders, languages, and cultures: “We are looking forward to joining the United Arab Emirates’ national efforts towards advancing a cohesive society.”
“We are one of the very few companies to extend maternity leave up to six months, to give working parents more time to nurture their newborns. Having a positive environment at home is good business because,” explained Maysoun. “We understand the importance of work-life balance and we want to make sure we support our staff at Roche.” This commitment was recognized this year where Roche Diagnostics in the Middle East was honored with the “Highly Commended Employee Benefit Strategy” Award at Daman Corporate Health & Wellness Awards; making it one of the most sought-after companies to work for in the UAE.
“As a passionate champion of diversity and inclusion, I firmly believe that integrating this priority in the heart of an organization’s culture brings out the very best of the team and allows the flow of innovation. We are tremendously proud of this culture at Roche and see the impact of our innovation to helping patients when they need our innovations the most.” Elaborated Harald Wolf, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics Middle East on this occasion.
The Global Diversity Council is a forerunner of community-based, international organizations that champion diversity and inclusion across the globe. It serves as a medium for international affiliates to foster an understanding of diversity and inclusion as a dynamic strategy for business success and community well-being through various initiatives.
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.
Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management.
Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. Thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Roche has been recognised as the Group Leader in sustainability within the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry nine years in a row by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).
The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2017 employed about 94,000 people worldwide. In 2017, Roche invested CHF 10.4 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 53.3 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit
With beginnings in the United States, the National Diversity Council is the first non-profit organization to bring together the private, public and non-profit sectors to discuss the many dimensions and benefits of a multicultural environment. The success of the Texas Diversity Council established in 2004 served as a catalyst for the National Diversity Council, launched in the fall of 2008. The council continued to flourish over the next 10 years and began hosting international events in 2015. By 2018, the Global Diversity Council was officially launched as the premier forum of international diversity efforts.
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