SICO Signs UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)

SICO BSC (c), a leading regional asset manager, broker, and investment bank with presence in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, announced today that it has officially become a signatory to the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), an initiative established by UN Women and the UN Global Compact to promote gender equality and empower women in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

Najla Al Shirawi, Group CEO of SICO, commented on becoming a WEP Signatory, saying, “We are proud to join the signatories and supporters of the Women’s Empowerment Principles, alongside organizations that share our deep-rooted commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. This step reflects SICO’s ongoing achievements in advancing women’s empowerment and our strong belief in the critical role women play in supporting sustainable development in the Kingdom, as exemplified by the initiatives of the Supreme Council for Women. By embracing these principles, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture that nurtures innovation, supports a strong foundation for our workforce, and strengthens our competitiveness.”

Welcoming the commitment of SICO, UN Women Deputy Regional Director for the Arab States, Janneke Van Der Graaff-Kukler, said, “With this commitment, SICO has joined a regional network of more than 600 companies in the region and 10,000 worldwide that are spearheading the private sector’s contribution to advancing women’s equality in business. The WEPs programme provides a suite of proven solutions that improve outcomes not only for women but for all employees, businesses, and the economy at large.”

SICO has long been an advocate for women’s empowerment and has implemented various initiatives aimed at advancing women within the organization. These efforts include leadership development programs, mentorship schemes, and flexible work policies designed to accommodate the needs of working mothers. Additionally, SICO has consistently sought to increase female representation in senior management, aligning its internal culture with global best practices for gender equality.

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