Editorial
As the world prepares to celebrate Women’s Day in just a couple of days, we’ve chosen to center this edition of This Week in Consulting around a vital issue: gender equality. The most recent Women, Business, and the Law report uncovered a stark reality: the gender gap for women in the workplace is even wider than previously believed. When considering legal disparities related to issues like violence and childcare, women currently possess less than two-thirds of the rights afforded to men.
However, amidst these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. In Central and Eastern Europe, empowering women in the workplace is not just a moral imperative but a strategic move towards unlocking significant economic growth. This underscores the importance of tailored workplace policies that go beyond addressing only maternity and harassment issues.
Leadership must play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive. Merely ticking boxes won’t suffice; we need genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Middle East is witnessing notable progress in this regard, with women assuming active roles in both private and public sectors. Governments and organizations are setting ambitious goals and implementing policies to bridge the gender gap.
In the realm of technology, we delve into the impact of AI on gender equality. Companies are striving to increase the representation of women in AI, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping technological advancements.
Furthermore, we explore the role of men as allies in promoting gender equality. Initiatives like mentorship programs led by former naval officers highlight the significance of male engagement in creating more inclusive workplaces.
We invite our readers to delve into these thought-provoking articles and share their perspectives on advancing gender equality globally. It’s time for collective action to ensure a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to thrive. Let’s ignite change together.
Laurent THOMAS
Chairman Consulting Quest
This week’s must read
In this edition of This Week in Consulting, we examine the widening gender gap in workplaces worldwide and highlights efforts to foster inclusivity and equality across diverse regions and industries.
Bain and Company’s article on gender equity in the Middle East, particularly in GCC countries, highlights progress and challenges. Lingering biases impede women’s advancement, with 70% citing gender bias. The study outlines a five-pillar approach and identifies organizational maturity stages, emphasizing the need for comprehensive gender equity strategies.
This week’s media
In this video by BCG, Shelley Zalis from The Female Quotient explores how disruptive tech influences gender equality. Emphasizing the need to address AI biases and elevate women in leadership for an “algorithm for equality.
Thought Leadership
In an episode of Navigating Forward by Launch Consulting, David Smith and Brad Johnson, co-authors of “Good Guys” and “Athena Rising,” discuss fostering male allyship and dispelling misconceptions in the workplace. They address fears and strategies for better allyship, emphasizing the role of gender equity at home.
Kearney’s article emphasizes the need for personalized workplace policies, addressing diverse challenges beyond maternity and harassment. Leaders are urged to shape inclusive cultures, moving beyond checkbox policies and creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Taplow Group highlights the crucial role of executive search firms in advancing gender diversity in leadership. These firms challenge stereotypes, redefine leadership criteria, cultivate diverse talent pipelines, and advocate for transparency, fostering lasting change towards gender equality in boardrooms and C-suites.
McKinsey’s article highlights the economic benefits of closing the gender gap in Central and Eastern Europe, projecting an €146 billion annual GDP increase by 2030. Women’s underrepresentation in leadership roles and the burden of unpaid work are key obstacles to address for empowerment and economic growth.
This week’s consulting news selection
Accenture has acquired The Lumery, a Melbourne-based marketing technology consultancy that helps leading organizations deliver seamless customer experiences and transform their marketing services.|
Norda Stelo announced the signing of an agreement to acquire InnovExplo, a company renowned for its expertise in geology and mining engineering.|
Toney Healthcare, a clinically-oriented consultancy and provider of utilization management, care management and quality improvement services to health plans nationwide, has acquired Rebellis Group.|
Grant Thornton Australia announces two new Partners joining its Risk Consulting team – Leona Goh from this month and Prakash Wilson from 1 May, 2024.|
Laurent is the Chairman and Co-founder of Consulting Quest. Focused on greater value creation, and being thoroughly familiar with Consulting, Laurent has sourced and sold millions of dollars worth of Consulting over the course of his career. Prior to joining Consulting Quest, Laurent was Executive Vice President Oil and Gas at Solvay and Senior Partner Transformation at Oliver Wyman.
