Company policies

However, all four women, who are the next generation of hospitality leaders, believe that their company policies have helped them get where they are today.

“Marriott International has a multitude of policies, programmes, awards and recognitions that provide a wonderful framework for accelerated and fully supported career development,” D’Cruz says. Marriott also offers a myriad of training programmes and mentorship opportunities offered by the company, which have helped D’Cruz and other women in the organisation grow exponentially.

Agreeing with her, Kazari says, “At Hilton, we have an agreement with e-Cornell to enroll in courses to help you grow in your career. Training programmes in addition to leadership programmes are also available.

“Working closely with all other departments and the interactions we have on a daily basis, related to project development opportunities, adds to my knowledge and career growth.”

However Simister, who is only one of two female VPs in Accor’s regional executive team, says it’s slowly changing. “I hope we get to a point where we are longer talking about inequality and witness a far greater presence of female leaders — this will have the effect of attracting a larger proportion of women applications, thus creating a trickle-down effect at lower levels.

“I’m very proud to see that the most senior leadership team in Paris has three women, one of which has a very expansive role to drive digital transformation for AccorHotels.”

Yeung believes her current role provides the same opportunity as a man. “I am a firm believer in equal rights and opportunities, and the offering of this role to me is based completely on merit. I have worked hard for nine years at Emaar and was recently promoted to corporate director – strategic projects & partnerships, after spearheading and winning the Expo 2020 bid. As a woman, I operate in many meetings which are dominated by men, but I do not falter in these situations.

“As the region continues to develop and diversify further, it is clear that every colleague of mine, whether a man or woman, treats me with respect and assesses my professionalism due to my skill sets, and not my gender.”

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