DUBAI (WAM)
Anna Kaminski, Neurodiversity Specialist Consultant of The Butterfly, CEO and Founder of NeuroKinds, delivered an impactful session titled "Transforming Challenges into Achievements: Women of Determination in the Workplace" during the Global Women's Forum Dubai 2024.
The session explored women's unique strengths of determination and the systemic changes needed to foster inclusive work environments.
Kaminski began by sharing striking statistics, highlighting that 15% of the world's population lives with a disability, with 80% of these being invisible.
Disabilities, she explained, encompass a broad spectrum, including physical, sensory, medical, intellectual, psychological, and neurodevelopmental conditions, and 80% of these conditions are acquired during a person's lifetime.
"Despite these numbers, biases and stereotypes persist," Kaminski said. "Women of Determination are often overlooked for leadership roles and confined to entry-level positions because of the assumption that they need extensive help or cannot excel."
She emphasised that inclusivity is often a matter of making simple accommodations. "A ramp for wheelchair access or standing desks for employees with ADHD can significantly improve workplace accessibility," she pointed out. "It's not about overhauling systems but addressing needs to create equity and opportunity. Equity ensures fair treatment and creates conditions based on needs. The company leadership must model inclusive behaviour to ensure an accessible environment."
"More women than men have a disability. According to the UN, 1 in 5 women have a disability, as opposed to 1 in 8 men. Women are more vulnerable to discrimination due to lower financial, legal, relational and societal power," she added.
Kaminski also addressed the broader challenges faced by women of determination, including societal biases and limited accessibility. Girls are often seen as less capable than boys, particularly in cultures where men are expected to be breadwinners.
This belief restricts their opportunities and contributes to systemic gender and disability discrimination. Women of Determination are also more vulnerable to mental health challenges, with higher rates of depression and anxiety stemming from exclusion and stigma.
She underscored the importance of shifting perceptions and creating inclusive environments where differences are celebrated. Kaminski urged organisations to implement robust policies, provide tailored accommodations, and hold leadership accountable for fostering equity. "Equity isn't just about fairness," she explained. "It's about creating conditions where everyone can thrive."
Kaminski also highlighted the tangible benefits of inclusion, noting that people of determination bring unique perspectives and drive intellectual diversity. By incorporating these perspectives, businesses can foster innovation, strengthen communities, and increase shareholder value. "Women of determination are not just participants in the workplace; they are leaders who bring resilience and a wealth of experience to the table," she said.
She closed with a call for collective action. "Building inclusive workplaces isn't just about policies; it's about cultural change. When you see women of determination excelling as professionals, mothers, and community members, you realise the power of inclusion. By fostering an environment where everyone belongs, we empower individuals and strengthen society."