Zain strengthens women's presence in the economy: From empowerment to impact

Zain Kuwait announced its sponsorship and participation in the inaugural edition of the “Women and the Economy” conference, which launched under the patronage and attendance of Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq. The event brought together a distinguished group of government and economic leaders, experts, and specialists from various sectors, reaffirming Zain’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and enhancing their contribution to economic development.

The conference opening was also attended by Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, the British Ambassador to Kuwait Qudsi Rashid, Tayba Al-Humaidi, founder of the “Li Wa Lakum” initiative, Zain’s executive management team, and several leaders from the public and private sectors.

The conference was organized by the “Li Wa Lakum” initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through financial literacy, knowledge dissemination, and community development support. Its aim is to highlight the importance of women’s economic participation, explore ways to expand opportunities for women, and strengthen their role in driving growth, innovation, and competitiveness, in alignment with the objectives of the “New Kuwait 2035” vision.

Zain’s participation in the conference underscored its vision that empowering women represents a strategic investment in human capital and a key driver of sustainable economic growth. This stance is rooted in the belief that expanding women’s participation across various sectors and enhancing their presence in leadership positions and decision-making centers helps unleash national potential and supports the building of a more diversified, productive, and competitive economy.

On the sidelines of the conference, Jamana Al-Mutawa, Executive Director of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at Zain Group, participated in the first panel discussion titled “The Current Reality,” which addressed the state of women’s economic participation in Kuwait, the challenges they face, and the opportunities available to enhance their contribution to economic growth. The discussions emphasized the importance of moving beyond the traditional concept of participation limited to employment, to include professional development, entrepreneurship, value creation, and active involvement in decision-making.

During her participation, Jamana Al-Mutawa presented Zain’s vision for women’s empowerment, which holds that enhancing women’s presence in the labor market goes beyond increasing employment rates and representation. It extends to investing in skill development, removing barriers that may hinder professional advancement, and providing opportunities for women to contribute more significantly to innovation and decision-making.

Al-Mutawa also highlighted the importance of measuring the actual impact of empowerment initiatives through indicators such as professional development, promotions, and leadership readiness, ensuring that institutional commitments translate into tangible and sustainable results.

In this context, Zain Group emphasized its continuous efforts to support women’s advancement through its strategic vision, WE 2030, which aims to increase the representation of women in leadership and middle management positions to 30% by 2030. This goal is pursued through an integrated system of initiatives and programs designed to develop female talent, prepare them for greater responsibilities, and enhance their role in achieving the Group’s strategic objectives.

Among the most notable initiatives is the WE SUCCEED program, which targets the development of promising female talent through a comprehensive three-year leadership journey encompassing specialized training, professional mentoring, and leadership skill development, in collaboration with prestigious global institutions. The program has achieved tangible results since its launch, with nine participants promoted, including three who reached the level of Executive Director and above, reflecting the impact of long-term investment in building a new generation of female leaders.

The company is also investing in the NOVA program, which focuses on developing female talent in areas with low female representation, particularly in the technology and digital sectors. Through specialized development pathways, the program aims to enhance women’s professional and leadership readiness and expand their career advancement opportunities in fields that will drive the future of the digital economy. The program is part of Zain’s efforts to build a sustainable base of female talent capable of contributing to technological transformation and innovation across the group.

These efforts align with Zain’s “4WARD” strategy, which prioritizes investment in human capital and the promotion of inclusion. As a regional technology company, Zain seeks to foster a more diverse work environment and develop the capabilities and skills needed to keep pace with rapid economic and digital transformations.

Zain’s participation in the “Women and the Economy” conference underscores its commitment to supporting platforms that bring together government entities, the private sector, academic institutions, and financial organizations to exchange expertise and develop practical solutions that enhance women’s economic opportunities and solidify their role as key partners in the development process. This reflects Zain’s belief that investing in women’s empowerment is an investment in a more innovative, prosperous, and sustainable future for Kuwait and the region.