Furthering the diversity and inclusion (D&I) agenda, the programme is suitable for any woman that has the right skill set and is looking to rejoin the workforce. From junior to senior level associates, the programme targets a diverse group of female professionals. It will be applicable to qualified women who have taken a hiatus of at least 12 months from full-time employment because of maternity, elderly care, family responsibilities, or pursuing higher studies, hobbies, or other personal priorities. In order to ensure each returnee is part of a personalised and meaningful journey at the organisation, they will be classified into groups based on their skill set, experience, and the training they will require to deliver in their chosen roles.

In the ‘Reignite’ programme, Mashreq has charted a well-structured return-to-work plan for women at all levels with a focus on training, mentoring, and upskilling the participants so that they can competently take on their prior job responsibilities. Through its extensive network of professionals, the Bank will provide opportunities for hands-on training and access to comprehensive leadership development modules. Eligible candidates can apply to any of the current vacancies at Mashreq across the globe. During the programme, the returnees will be assigned career counsellors, who will assist them in preparing personal development plans. The participants will also attend workshops and receive extended support in on-the-job training to ensure a smooth and empowering transition to work.

Commenting on the new initiative, Ahmed Abdelaal, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mashreq, said: “The well-being of a diverse workforce affects employee morale, which has a direct impact on service delivery, quality of output, and customer satisfaction. As part of the Gender Balance & Women’s Empowerment pillar of our progressive D&I strategy, we are proud to introduce ‘Reignite’. The initiative will enable us to identify and develop the best of untapped female talent in the market while creating new career opportunities for women to empower them.”

Hamda Al Shamali, Chief People and Intellectual Capital Officer of Mashreq, added: “At Mashreq, we are passionate about women’s empowerment, and the ‘Reignite’ programme is an integral part of our ongoing efforts in this space. We seek to remove barriers for women at work and create a gender-equal and inclusive workplace, where all employees have a chance to advance their careers based on their capabilities, qualifications, and experience.”

The programme strengthens Mashreq’s commitment to building a diverse and robust workforce by tapping into a motivated talent pool across the globe through a variety of initiatives and industry-first practices. The Bank has implemented several development programs for women, focusing on hiring women for senior management roles. Mashreq’s leadership team is dedicated to supporting women in building their careers at the company.