6 September2022Editor NoteWomen Taking Charge & Becoming Change Agents in the Middle East Landscape The time for women's subjugation and exclusion from the corporate world is gradually running out. Don't believe me? Take a look at these statistics coming out of the Middle East market. Based on the data collated by EMA Partners, a global leadership search and advisory firm the Middle East ecosystem currently has over 52 women CEOs who are steering their respective organizations forward. No longer just token hires, these talented women leaders are carving success across industry verticals such as BFSI, telecommunications, hospitality, consumer goods, healthcare, utilities and construction among others.There was once a time when the Middle East was known as a region where women were culturally expected to be home makers. The ones who did join the workforce had to make do with positions of lower-levels. But this trend is fact evolving. Today more and more women in the Middle East are moving towards becoming financially independent. Not only are they joining the corporate world and public sector roles but are also building ventures of their own. As a consequence women in the Middle East are playing a crucial role in supporting the region's economy. Take for example Anna Grigorieva, Partner & Managing Director of Anna Grigorieva & Co. LLC. She co-founded AG Advocates, a prominent law firm which is headquarter in Limassol, Cyprus, and has currently opened new office locations in Dubai, UAE. The astute leader's firm is known for offering a wide range of local and international legal services that are tailored to the specific needs of the clients, whether they are worldwide enterprises or average/high net worth individuals.Role models such as Anna are doing wonders in terms of motivating more women to join the workforce and build fruitful careers. The industry also benefits greatly from women leaders who also act as the industry's change agents themselves. An industry expert, Marina Zevedeou who is the CEO at the Aspen Trust Group is also the President of Women's Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Cyprus(WICCI-Cyprus) promoting women entrepreneurs and strengthening the business relationships between Indian and Cypriot women. She is also the Cyprus Country Chair of the G100 Global Trade Wing an empowered Group of women leaders aiming to change the world for women.Women such as Anna and Marina are shining beacons of women taking charge in the Middle East ecosystem. The current edition of Women Entrepreneur magazine shines the spotlight on their illustrious professional journey. Do read on and let us know your thoughts. Rachita SharmaManaging Editor
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