Standard Chartered drives gender diversity with launch of Global Women's Forum in UAE

Standard Chartered formed a Global Women's Council earlier this year to focus on gender diversity. The Bank's strategy is to help women realise their full potential through personal development and supportive practices implemented in an engaging and inclusive workplace. This year's Forum brings together some of the Bank's most talented female employees to engage on topics related to women in the workplace, women in the community and women as customers.

Jaspal Bindra, Chairman, Group Diversity & Inclusion Council commented, "Standard Chartered Bank wants to be an exemplar employer of Diversity and Inclusion across our markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East."

Joanna Fielding, Chair, Group Women's Council, added "Standard Chartered's strength is the diversity of our people - mirroring our customers and the communities we operate in. We believe that we also have the potential to lead the way on gender diversity. This event is an opportunity to showcase our progress and to inspire our female talent to take their careers to new heights."

Discussions at the Forum will focus on some of the Bank's gender specific research. "Standard Chartered are lead sponsors in a research project, being carried out this year, by Dr Serra Kirdar-Meliti from the Muthabara Foundation which looks at the issues, opportunities and practical recommendations for increasing the role of women in business in Arab countries. We aim to include the findings from this research in our gender diversity strategy" commented Nigel Jones, CEO of Standard Chartered's UAE operation.

Nigel added, "We are very proud to host this year's Global Women's Forum in the UAE. Over 20 female participants from the Middle East and North Africa region will attend the Forum, demonstrating the talent and diversity of our local leaders. "

The 2007 Global Women's Forum is a regular event organised by the Bank's Group Women's Council, a subgroup of the Group Diversity & Inclusion Council which focuses on multiple strands of diversity. Reflecting the strong support and sponsorship of senior management, the event is sponsored by Peter Sands, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank.

The event will give participants an opportunity to hear from some outstanding role models and inspirational leaders, including prominent speakers such as Mrs Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson, Emirates Environment Group. Mrs. Al Marashi, a UAE national, is involved in many leading initiatives on the environment, women and development at the national, regional and international levels. She was nominated for the Dubai Government Excellence Awards in 2000 and presented with the Emirates Business Women Award for year 2002 -2003 in the Professional Category.

Standard Chartered Bank has operated in the UAE since 1958 and is among the longest-serving international banks in the Middle East. The UAE is the fifth largest market of the Bank and it is already the largest international bank in the country in terms of its branch network.