We are thrilled to announce that AGSI was selected to be on the Steering Committee of the Emirates Green Building Council EmiratesGBC Women's Network . Representing women in the steel and building industry, AGSI’s appointment highlights our commitment to championing gender equity, driving sustainability and fostering leadership and mentorship opportunities in these sectors, and beyond. The steel industry has historically been male dominated, but AGSI is at the forefront of redefining that narrative. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of 10 million employees working in the construction sector, just 9% are women. In the UAE, women’s participation in the labour force has increased from 29.2% in 1990 to 40.6% in 2018, but there is still a long way to go, especially within the field of green buildings and steel industries. Represented by AGSI’s CSO Anna Griffin, we bring a unique perspective, emphasizing the importance of inclusive leadership in achieving sustainability and climate goals. Our involvement underscores our mission to advocate for gender diversity and create platforms where women leaders can drive meaningful change in traditionally industrial sectors. Women encounter many barriers when deciding to enter male-dominated fields, however, a lack of ambition is not one of these barriers, as the UAE Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in the Workplace Survey found that 74% of women, compared to 66% of men, have the ambition to set their sights on a top executive role. The EGBC Women’s Network aims to empower women as leaders in the sustainable construction sector while advancing gender diversity across industries. AGSI shares this vision and believes that diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership are essential to addressing the challenges of climate change and resource efficiency. Through its role on the Steering Committee, AGSI will collaborate with industry leaders and policymakers to: - Promote sustainable practices and green building materials in construction. - Inspire and support women to take on leadership roles in sustainability-focused industries. - Champion initiatives that align with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative as well as the United Nations Global Compact SDG 5. We are honored to join the EGBC Women’s Network and contributing to the advancement of sustainability, gender equity, and inclusive growth. By combining its expertise in sustainability with a strong commitment to mentorship and gender diversity, AGSI aims to pave the way for a more equitable and environmentally responsible future in the steel and construction industries. Lana AbuQulbain Abdullatif Albitawi Khaled Bushnaq
