Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder and Chairwoman, Apparel Group spoke with Norma Taki, Retail and Consumer Market Leader, Transaction Services Partner and Inclusion and Diversity Leader, PwC Middle Eastabout about the vital strategies to cultivate diversity and inclusion in retail businesses. 

The Foundation  

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping a company’s approach to diversity and inclusion. A supportive and inclusive leadership style is characterized by mentorship, the encouragement of challenging societal norms, and the fostering of an environment where questioning the status quo is not only accepted but encouraged. Leaders who exemplify these qualities inspire their teams, drive innovation, and create a culture where diversity of thought and background is valued. The significance of mentorship cannot be overstated, as it provides a roadmap for individuals to navigate their careers within an inclusive framework. 

Diversity as Profit Lever 

Evidence strongly supports the business case for diversity, showing that inclusivity in leadership roles significantly contributes to a company’s bottom line. Apparel Group’s experience highlighted how increasing female participation in the workforce to 36%, with 27% of them in leadership positions directly impacted their bottom line positively. Diverse leadership teams are more innovative, better at problem-solving, and more capable of capturing new markets. Implementing policies that promote diversity is not just about doing what’s right; it’s about doing what’s smart. As companies grow and evolve, adapting policies to reflect the current societal and business context is crucial for fostering an environment where every employee can thrive. 

Leadership Empowerment 

Empowering leadership within the context of diversity and inclusion involves more than just setting quotas that can undermine the genuine contributions women can make to an organization. It requires a commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent based on merit and potential, regardless of gender or background. The presence of women in senior leadership positions, serves as a powerful catalyst for change, offering tangible examples of success that other women can aspire to. By increasing female representation in leadership and the workforce, companies send a powerful message about their values and commitment to creating a balanced and fair workplace. 

Inclusion Framework 

Creating an inclusive workplace involves several key strategies, including the implementation of supportive policies such as inclusive parental leave and comprehensive harassment policies. These measures are essential for creating a work environment that respects and protects all employees, contributing to overall satisfaction and productivity. Moreover, encouraging a culture of support and non-judgment, particularly from male colleagues, enables everyone, regardless of gender, to fully participate and contribute to the workplace. 

Change Imperative 

For diversity and inclusion initiatives to be effective, they must be accompanied by actionable policies that address the specific needs and challenges of the workforce. This includes not only establishing policies that promote inclusivity but also regularly reviewing and adapting these policies to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Strategies as ‘killing the stupid’—eliminating outdated policies and practices that hinder diversity, involves actively listening to employees and making systemic changes that promote inclusivity. A key insight into navigating this journey comes from the wisdom that one should never “leave the arena.” This metaphor serves as a powerful reminder that the path to meaningful change is often met with resistance, and success lies in the determination to stay engaged and advocate for progress. By gently yet persistently presenting the case for diversity and inclusion to all stakeholders—be it senior management, family members, or colleagues—we illuminate the undeniable merit of such initiatives. The rationale is clear: embracing diversity and inclusion is not just the right thing to do; it’s a strategic advantage that leads to better outcomes for the company. Thus, the imperative to change is not only about policies and numbers but also about fostering an environment where every voice is heard, and every perspective is valued, ensuring that no one feels the need to “leave the arena” of their professional or personal growth. Equity in opportunity and recognition within the organization is also crucial, ensuring that talent and potential are the primary factors in leadership and succession planning. 

Collective Action 

Collective action is a powerful tool for driving change within organizations. Starting from having partners who support rather than limit one’s ambitions. This principle applies equally to business partnerships and personal relationships. This approach is not merely about seeking assistance but about actively engaging a diverse coalition of voices to echo the call for change. It’s a call to move beyond passive support to active participation, highlighting the importance of gathering voices across the spectrum—male, female, and beyond—to champion the cause of inclusion. By gathering support from colleagues across genders and roles, individuals can amplify their voices and advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives more effectively. This collective effort to persuade and prove the value of diversity and inclusion to management and peers alike is where the real impact lies. By inviting everyone to participate in the discourse and action, we underscore the notion that achieving a truly inclusive workplace is a shared responsibility and goal, making it evident that numbers do, indeed, matter. 

The journey toward a more inclusive and equitable workplace within the retail industry is ongoing and requires commitment from all stakeholders. By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, businesses can unlock new levels of innovation, productivity, and profitability. As the retail sector continues to evolve, the commitment to diversity and inclusion will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping its future, making it more vibrant, inclusive, and successful.