On the occasion of International Women’s Day today, healthcare leaders from across the region pledged to take action in closing the workplace gender gap while attending the 3rd MENA MedTech Forum in Dubai.

The event, which attracted more than 400 medical technology professionals, regulators and policy makers was used as a platform to examine barriers and solutions to gender diversity and equality within the MENA healthcare industry.

Hosted by Mecomed, the Middle East and North Africa Medical Devices and Diagnostics Trade Association, the two-day forum is being held at the Mohammed bin Rashid Academic Medical Centre.

Speakers at the forum included Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary of Public Policy and Licensing, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dr. Dania Dialdin, Strategic Inclusion Manager MEA, McKinsey and Company, Dr. Basma Al Buhairan, Managing Director of Healthcare and Life Science, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, and Rita Habash, Business Leader Healthcare, 3M.

Dr. Al Amiri highlighted the important role women play in the workplace. "I can see how committed our region’s healthcare industry is to ensuring patients are kept at the forefront through Regulatory Systems and Policies and it’s encouraging to see so many industry professionals working together to foster an environment that helps provide prompt access to dependable and life-saving technologies," he said.

"What’s more pleasing is how many of our experts have come together today to support women in leadership and support gender diversity in the workplace which ultimately translates into diverse thinking and greater innovation," he added.

Mecomed member and Dubai Science Park's Executive Director, Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, said, "At Dubai Science Park, we are committed to facilitating a more sustainable and self-sufficient future that maximises the capabilities of our diverse resources and talent. Gender equality is intrinsically linked to sustainable development and women leaders play a significant role in fostering growth and positive change in our industry. As we continue to work towards a sustainable future, we will ensure that Dubai Science Park fulfils its commitment to addressing the gender gap with the hope to inspire future female leaders."

Mecomed Chairman Rami Rajab said, "On International Women’s Day, the forum also provides a platform to acknowledge the benefits gender diversity in leadership presents, including offering different viewpoints, ideas, and market insights which allows for better problem solving and a more informed approach to strategy building. It also allows us to better serve an increasingly diverse customer base."