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OPINION Be the leaders, not the sheep Although positive progress has been made in increasing gender equality, there is a great deal left to do. Simone Percy, General Manager at Oman Beverly Smyth Moving & Storage, talks about the challenge ahead SIMONE PERCY A ccording to the World Economic Forum, none of us will see gender parity in our lifetimes, and nor probably will many of our children. Thats the sobering nding of the Global Gender Gap Report 2020, which reveals that gender parity will not be attained for 99.5 years. A recent McKinsey report on diversity recorded that 52 per cent of those sampled have positive sentiments about diversity and inclusion, while 31 per cent were negative. These ndings encapsulate the challenges ahead. It isnt just about hiring diverse talent it is also about their workplace experience, and making them feel included. Their workplace experience can shape whether or not they will thrive. So, do we need a radical mind shift? We are all facing difculties in talent recruitment and retention is it time for us to widen our search? While the ndings can, on the face of it, look daunting, and might feel like a slap on the hand, I believe we must all take stock of our own organisations to progress and, ultimately, seek to prove the numbers wrong. Be the leaders, not the sheep. Perhaps the international moving industry can be at the vanguard of inclusion after all, we deal with people on a very personal level every day; it is the fabric of what we do. On a personal level, I have been fortunate to have worked in companies that embrace multiculturalism, and where gender is no bar to success. The number of women now attending conferences is testament to the advances being made. Women are no longer the minority. Not the majority yet but watch this space! WE TAKE CARE OF EVERY DETAIL, BECAUSE YOUR BLISS IS OUR MOTIVATION. Carefully Respectfully Trustworthy 8% Classified as a low risk company by the EY Credit Risk Baromenter COLOMBIA 54 FF305 Mar_May 22 pp54-55 Simone Percy Opinion.indd 54 WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 08/03/2022 08:15