Saudi women transforming family businesses can inspire others
A report by KPMG says females in leadership roles in family businesses act as good role models to get more women into C-suite roles
“More women entering leadership positions at family businesses normalises the idea of having women in C-suite roles,” said Kholoud Mousa, Partner and Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Equity at KPMG Professional Services.
“Such an environment spreads into non-family businesses and opens the door for other women to assume leadership positions.”
The findings come from advisory firm KPMG’s report entitled The Power of Women in Family Business. It looks at different perspectives of women leaders in the Kingdom and discusses their challenges, opportunities and successes working in their family business.
The report was based on fourteen extensive interviews with women leaders in family businesses. “Our overarching goal is to understand more about the impact changing demographics have on women in family businesses and their influence on the success of their businesses and their families,” added Mousa.
Mentorship and networking are essential components of professional success, regardless of gender.
But the research found in Saudi Arabia, with the increasing participation rates of women in the workforce, finding a mentor, especially a female one, can be a daunting task.