As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Veolia has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering women in the workplace. From celebrating International Women's Day to launching programs that promote gender diversity and inclusion, we are dedicated to create a work environment that supports the growth and development of its employees. In this article, we will explore some of the initiatives that Veolia has undertaken to promote women's empowerment and celebrate their contributions to the company.
International women's day celebrations
To mark International Women's Day, the Middle East region organised a series of events, each designed to promote unity, recognition, and empowerment among female employees. In Egypt, a life coach led a session on empowerment and confidence-building, followed by a karaoke session and lunch. In the UAE and Qatar, women received roses and chocolates, attended a coaching session, and participated in team-building activities such as an escape room. In Lebanon, students visited to learn about engineering jobs, while in Turkey, university students visited to discover different functions. In Saudi Arabia, a one-day event was held with a theme of "Challenge yourself to grow", featuring a life coach, team-building games, and activities promoting diversity and inclusion.
Diversity is a fact, as each of us is unique, and inclusion demands active steps to ensure equal participation for all."
Rising together: Veolia's diversity seminar
The Diversity Director for the Middle East, Rania Sadek organises every year a “Diversity seminar”. Dubai’s Edition this year was a resounding success, bringing together inspiring speakers and attendees from across the region and from all Water Technologies MEA entities. The two-day event, titled "Let's Rise Together andDare to Be an Ally", explored diversity, leadership, and empowerment, with speakers including Yasser Shaker, Ebtihal Taha, and Basmah Osman delivering a message on women's empowerment and self-improvement. The seminar also included workshops on topics such as sexism in the workplace, glass ceiling, and gender fatigue, as well as a session on communication skills by Tedx Speaker Josh McCartney. The event concluded with an activity where attendees shared their favourite moments and created a web of connections, symbolising the importance of diversity and solidarity.
Inspiring the next generation: Bring your daughter to work
As part of its efforts to inspire the next generation of female leaders, Veolia Water Technologies Middle East launched the "Bring Your Daughter to Work" initiative. On March 5th, 2024, 20 girls visited the company's offices in Egypt, where they participated in sessions on work-life balance, empowerment, and enlightenment. It was aimed to inspire young minds, discover different career paths in the water treatment industry, and highlight the importance of education and innovative thinking.
Details of the event
Phase 1
Phase 1
Phase 1, launched on July 22nd, introduced participants to the importance of personal values through the ValYou session led by an external provider. The girls engaged in activities that helped them identify their core values, fostering self-awareness and confidence. Additionally, each department had the opportunity to showcase their role and their contribution aligning with Veolia’s targets. From HR and Marcom to Engineering, Solutions, Sales & Marketing, Operations, Proposals, Safety, and Finance, the girls gained insight into the diverse facets of the company’s operations. The day concluded with certificates and giveaways, leaving the girls inspired by the world of water technologies.
Phase 2
Phase 2
Phase 2, held on March 5th , expanded on career exploration, providing in-depth learning experience about Veolia Water Technologies. The girls revisited the departments, engaging in interactive activities that deepened their understanding of different roles. The highlight of the day was a filmed interview segment where we had the opportunity to ask the participants what they learned about Veolia that day and how the experience shaped their thoughts on future careers. Their insights and aspirations showcased their enthusiasm and growth.
Pinktober: Building awareness about breast cancer
In support of the global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Veolia Water Technologies Middle East launched a series of impactful activities designed to advocate for early detection and provide support to those affected by breast cancer. The initiative featured the distribution of pink bracelets and badges to employees, fostering a sense of solidarity. An informative online session on women's health, led by medical experts, offered valuable insights into prevention and care. A dynamic Pink Scavenger Hunt, culminating in the creation of a poster board, reinforced the crucial message that early detection is key. Through these efforts, Veolia Water Technologies Middle East aimed to elevate awareness and stress the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.
Celebrating women in engineering: Veolia's testimonial series
To celebrate the contributions of women in engineering, Veolia Water Technologies Middle East has launched a series of testimonials, titled "Gratitude & Growth: Celebrating Women's Contributions at VWT Middle East". The series features interviews with exceptional women in the field, including Riham Hamdan, General Manager at Enppi, Sanaa Hassan Abu Bakr, Manager of a Sewage Department at Fayoum Water and Wastewater Company, and Toaa Mohamed, CEO Assistant at WTCO. These women share their inspiring stories of perseverance, innovation, and leadership, highlighting the strength and capability of women in engineering. The testimonials are translated into four additional languages using artificial intelligence, making them accessible to a global audience.
Community events: Supporting individuals with disabilities
As we believe that embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity is essential to creating a harmonious environment for all, it is important for us to support individuals with disabilities. With this, we empower them to reach their full potential and contribute to the richness of our society through different initiatives and activities.
For this, employees from Veolia Water Technologies Gulf conducted a morning activity for children at the Al Noor Centre, an institution for people with determination, as part of our well-being week in June 2024. They helped children cultivate valuable traits and ease their integration into society through various activities, including a tour of the centre, sports activities such as football, basketball, and tennis, and a zumba session. This event was part of a larger effort by Veolia Water Technologies to support individuals with disabilities, as seen in a similar event held in VWT Egypt, where employees were given handmade gifts from the Donitna Association for visual impairment to celebrate the New Year 2024. Both event were a huge success, with every child participating and beaming with confidence and joy, and the employees feeling rewarded and grateful for the enriching experience.
Looking ahead
Veolia's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident through different initiatives aimed at empowering women in the workplace. From inspiring young girls through the "Bring Your Daughter to Work" program to celebrating women in engineering with testimonial series, we are actively working to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment in the region. The company's global benefits program, diversity seminars, and International Women's Day celebrations further demonstrate its dedication to promoting gender equality and fostering a culture of empowerment. By continuing to invest in these initiatives and prioritising diversity and inclusion, we are successfully contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future for the industry as a whole.