Hand in Hand to the C-Suite
Amman, JordaniaThroughout the country, Jordania
Year Founded:
Project Stage:
2013
Organization type:
hybrid
Idea
Budget:
$10,000 - $50,000
Example: Walk us through a specific example(s) of how this solution makes a difference; include its primary activities.
In a local multinational managed by a majority of foreigners one highly skilled and motivated local women made it to the C-Suite against all odds - Samia. Samia performed exceptionally well and was highly regarded. She takes it upon herself to help other local women succeed. There is a younger women that just joined the organization that has consistently performed well, out shone others - Rana. Samia starts working with Rana to help her plan her career and goals. Rana feels more secure and satisfied at her job. When Rana feels social pressures or an unwelcoming environment although she tries to deal with them she resorts to Samia for advise and guidance. When the time comes, Samia helps Rana get the promotions she deserves.
Impact: What is the impact of the work to date? Also describe the projected future impact for the coming years.
Companies with 3 or more women in the boardroom improve performance (Mckenzie Survey). Accordingly, if we can work with women already in the boardroom to help other women get there too the impact would be two fold. On the one hand, more women empowerment in the workplace and influencing social change and behavior towards women and their ability and potential achievements. And on the other hand, improve corporate performance ensuring buy-in and sustainability from corporations and the business world.
Financial Sustainability Plan: What is this solution’s plan to ensure financial sustainability?
The financial investment in this program is the beginning. In the early stages, there needs to be research to reflect the positive economic gains of more senior women in the workplace and then communication. After that and once the program rolls out, there are no financial needs per se for it to continue.
Marketplace: Who else is addressing the problem outlined here? How does the proposed project differ from these approaches?
There are many organizations that work with women for economical empowerment and cultural and social change. However, I am not aware of any program that helps women from within organizations and that targets women reaching the boardroom. Most programs are based on skills (which is complementary to our goal) or increasing the number of women entering the workplace. We are trying to address the workplace environment to ensure that women succeed, excel and grow in the workplace creating an incentive for them to stay.
Founding Story
I concluded several researches about women in the workplace and it appeared that although women are entering the workplace (albeit at lower numbers than they should be) many are not advancing enough which resulted in loss of incentive which resulted in giving up their career, financial empowerment at the first option i.e. marriage, child birth Accordingly, it became clear that if women had a career path supported by someone from the C-suite and had a women to support them from within they are more likely to remain in the workplace and progress to senior positions With that there would be a ripple effect i.e. more women satisfied in work so they stay, more women will be able to help more women and gradually changing the social perception.
Comments
Why is that women tend to not help other women?