In appreciation of Arab women’s contribution to success

Amman, March 2010 – Ernst & Young Jordan celebrated International Women’s Day on the 8th of March by organizing a celebratory luncheon for its Women employees. Showcasing the company’s appreciation of women’s contributions to business growth and development, Ernst & Young particularly sought to recognize Middle Eastern Women, who have, in recent years, succeeded in transcending social limitations, taking on considerable responsibilities and assuming important leadership positions.

As part of the celebration, Ernst & Young Jordan facilitated an open discussion among its women employees, looking at a number of issues related to women in the workplace and to investigate methods of directing women’s innate capabilities and talents towards achieving greater social and economic development. During the luncheon, Mr. Bishr Baker, Managing Partner at Ernst & Young Jordan, expressed his pride at working with such a unique mix of people, and reiterated the importance of Ernst & Young’s global culture that promotes diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace.

In turn, Ms. Samar Obaid, Partner at Ernst & Young Jordan, led a discussion on the firm’s global “Diversity and Inclusiveness” culture, highlighting that it continues to be a competitive advantage for Ernst & Young and a recipe for market leadership.

Ms. Obaid further stressed the importance of empowering women and encouraging them to participate in rebuilding the global economy. She referred to various international research studies, including Ernst & Young’s Groundbreakers series, which reveal the important role women play in driving economic growth. “It is important to recognize the unique contributions that each of us makes as individuals regardless of gender, because this is what enriches, expands and adds value. There is significant statistical correlation between gender equality and economic development of countries. The evidence is compelling that women can be powerful drivers of economic development.” She said.

Ernst & Young Jordan’s celebratory luncheon commemorating International Women’s Day also created a platform for the firm’s female employees to share personal experiences and openly discuss various topics on how the current global crisis might present women with more opportunities to become involved. The discussion also included feedback on the biggest challenges hindering women’s productivity and international studies which indicate that companies with women working at senior levels tend to perform better financially.

In line with the Ernst & Young’s appreciation of women and their ability to innovate and excel, and as part of the company’s belief in the importance of gender equality, Ernst & Young Jordan aspires to increase the percentage of its female employees to 45% by 2015. The company has also confirmed its dedication to offering opportunities that provide unlimited career development for women, specifically in order to enable them to become key contributors to the company’s operations and success.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is one of the biggest local and international leaders in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, and began its operations in Amman, Jordan, in 1953. Today, our operations in Amman have grown to encompass over 200 employees under the management of four local partners.
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About Ernst & Young Middle East
The Middle East practice of Ernst & Young has been operating in the region since 1923. For over 85 years, we have evolved our operations in line with the legal and commercial developments of the region. We have over 4,200 people united across 20 offices and 15 Arab countries, sharing the same values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.
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About Ernst & Young Global
Ernst & Young is one of the world’s leading professional service organizations and one of the Big Four auditors. Our international resources enable us to deliver a consistent level of quality from one country to another, and all of our 144,000 people located across more than140 countries worldwide, practice under common professional, ethical and independence standards.
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