Tara Shtayyeh
A seasoned Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, Tara Shtayyeh’s education at High Point University, NC, and Heriot-Watt University, Dubai, forms the bedrock of her deep insights into female management in the digital era. Further enriched by engagements with McKinsey & Co’s Forward Program, Tara possesses a comprehensive grasp of the challenges and opportunities inherent to the digital age. Currently working at The Talent Enterprise, a pioneering entity renowned for its
Woman in Leadership Program, Tara has interacted closely with female leaders. Through these engagements, she has formed deep bonds of empathy and trust,
offering support and guidance in their leadership journeys. Her association with The Talent Enterprise has provided her with a unique lens to view and
understand the challenges faced by women in leadership roles, especially in the context of the digital era. In a previous pivotal role as a project manager, Tara led
EU-funded projects aimed at empowering young Palestinian women. She launched initiatives to hone youth skills in negotiation and critical thinking, established Youth Local Councils in marginalised areas in collaboration with UN Agencies, and executed crucial training to enhance safety and comfort for female staff and volunteers. With a keen interest in identity theories, stereotypes, unconscious bias in hiring and promotion, political psychology, gender barriers, and dehumanisation, Tara delves deep into the intricacies of these areas, shedding light on the unique challenges they present in the context of the Middle East's digital transformation.
Her insights from research and hands-on experience position her to address the nuances of digital leadership, advocate for inclusive digital workplaces, and
discuss strategies to bridge the digital gender divide. With a harmonious blend of academic depth, professional acumen, and an unwavering commitment to gender equality, Tara stands as a vital voice, ready to enhance the discourse on empowering female managers in the Middle East's digital environment.
Empowering female managers in the Digital Era: Overcoming barriers, harnessing opportunities
Introduction:
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has brought both opportunities and challenges for female managers in the Middle East, including the UAE. This panel discussion seeks to address the multifaceted barriers and opportunities that arise in the digital era and explore strategies to empower and support the career advancement of women in leadership roles.
Barriers and Challenges in the Digital Era:
The panel will delve into the unique barriers that women face in the digital era, including the digital gender divide, biases in algorithmic decision-making, online harassment, work-life integration challenges, and digital skills gaps. The discussion will analyze the intersectionality of these barriers and their impact on women's career progression.
Support Mechanisms in the Digital Landscape:
The panel will explore the digital support mechanisms and initiatives designed to foster the development of female managers. This includes virtual mentoring programs, online leadership development courses, digital networking platforms, and remote work policies. The discussion will highlight successful digital initiatives and their impact on supporting and empowering women in the workplace.
Strategies for Empowerment in the Digital Era:
Building upon the identified barriers and digital support mechanisms, the panel will propose strategies to empower female managers in the digital era. This may include advocating for digital literacy and upskilling programs, promoting inclusive digital workplaces, leveraging digital platforms for networking and visibility, and harnessing digital tools for remote collaboration and flexible work arrangements.
Key Issues for Debate:
The panel discussion will encourage thought-provoking debate on several key issues, such as the impact of digital transformation on gender equality, the role of digital leadership in fostering inclusive workplaces, the ethical implications of AI-driven decision-making, and the potential for digital solutions to address work-life integration challenges.
Conclusion:
This panel discussion aims to explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by female managers in the digital era and propose strategies to empower and support their career advancement. By embracing digital technologies and fostering an inclusive digital culture, organizations can create an environment where women can thrive and succeed in leadership roles in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.
Keywords: female managers, UAE, Middle East, barriers, support mechanisms, digital era, digital transformation, gender equality, diversity, female empowerment, digital leadership, workplace challenges.