KUWAIT: Burgan Bank recently participated in a series of workshops that were organized and hosted by the European Union’s (EU) Delegation to the State of Kuwait, which focused on the best practices for increasing women’s participation in leadership roles within the private sector. Representing Burgan Bank at the event was Huda Al-Shammari, General Manager – International Banks Office. Other attendees included high profile women in leadership positions in sectors such as politics, diplomacy, media, business – including the banking industry– academia, and civil society.

Commenting on the bank’s participation in the leadership event, Al-Shammari said: “It was an honor for us to be present amongst such an inspiring group of visionary women who have boundless knowledge and passion for their fields and practice and for the advancement of Kuwait. During Women’s Month, we see numerous activities taking place in appreciation and acknowledgment of women and the unique value that they bring to their environments, whether they are social, economic, or personal.”

Huda Al-Shammari

She added: “While these efforts are usually more vivid during March, their impact continues throughout the year. The umbrella of “women empowerment” covers a wide range of topics and issues, and the role of “women in leadership positions” may be one of the most prominent of those issues. It determines many trends and ensures higher rates of inclusion and empowerment of women in a real way, not only in leadership positions, but in many fields, sectors and tracks.”

It serves to note that Burgan Bank continues to lead by example in the banking and financial sector in Kuwait on the women’s empowerment front, with 48 percent of its staff being women (as of 2023), and 52 percent of all promotions being awarded to outstanding female employees (as of 2022). As for the bank’s leadership and supervisory positions, it is currently 38 percent female.