Defying stereotypes in the banking industry

Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer, UAE speaks with CNN on how she overcame obstacles as a female in the banking sector.

March 21, 2023

4 mins

Corporate & investment bankingDiversity & inclusion

This interview with Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, Middle East and Pakistan was originally published on CNN Business in 2023 in Arabic (the article contents has been translated and revised to fit SC.com editorial guidelines).

What obstacles did you face as a female in the banking sector?

Like any other leader, I faced several challenges throughout my career. Some of these challenges were mainly due to the structure of the organisations I worked for while others were mainly due to the male dominant nature of the industry. Overcoming these challenges was not east at all, especially with the many distractions life throws at you during your career path.

The trick for me was to remain focused, no matter what. Always remind yourself of your objectives and never give up. You’ll face a lot of challenges, and you’ll fail at several tasks; all you need to do is stay focused, never get discouraged and learn from your mistakes while moving forward; cause, in my belief, the only direction towards success is – Forward.

How did you defy stereotypes in a male dominated industry?

Defying stereotypes in a male dominated industry is certainly challenging, however there are many ways which in my experience can help women overcome it. First, it’s important to believe in yourself and your abilities, and not let other people’s perceptions of you hold you back. Second, seek out mentors and allies who can support and advocate for you. Third, be proactive about seeking out opportunities to learn and grow in your field, whether through networking or formal training.

Another approach is through challenging gender biases when you see them, whether it’s at work or society.

Finally, celebrate your successes and be proud of the progress you make, even if it’s small steps at first. By taking these steps you can pave the way for more diversity and inclusivity not only within the organisation you work in but across the industry as a whole.

How has the participation in this sector changed, especially at the C-suite level, compared to 10-20 years ago?

Over the past 20 years, women participation in the banking sector has undergone significant changes. One of the most notable changes is the increased representation of women in leadership positions. Women have slowly but surely been breaking the glass ceiling in the banking industry, occupying senior management and executive positions.
This progress can be attributed to several factors such as gender diversity initiatives, policy changes and shifts in corporate culture.

Despite these positive changes, there is still much work to be done to achieve gender equality, particularly in terms of pay equity and representation at the highest levels of leadership.

What changes does the sector as a whole need to implement to increase female participation in the C-suite level roles?

I had the privilege, at Standard Chartered, to experience first-hand a variety of policies that proved to be effective in increasing female participation in C-Suite level roles. Providing equal opportunities for career advancement was the first step and this was established through implementing transparent and merit-based promotion policies. We also launched a number of training and mentorship programmes which also supported women develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in senior roles.

Addressing unconscious bias was another important factor for us in promoting diversity and inclusion. This was done through a strategic set of training and awareness programmes highlighting the importance of having an inclusive culture where women can succeed. We also put in place flexible work arrangements, such as part-time and remote working agreements. This helped us support women who are balancing their work and caregiving responsibilities.

Other important initiatives include increasing transparency around pay and promotions, creating a supportive culture that values diversity, and diversifying the hiring pipeline. A combination that helped women across the bank grow and participate in C-Suite level roles leading to better business outcomes and a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Advice to young females wanting to enter the banking sector

My advice to young females who intend to enter the banking industry is remain focused, maintain open communication, and always be confidant.

Focus on developing your skills and expanding your networking. Always be proactive and do not be afraid. Believe in yourself and never hesitate to grasp the opportunity that lies in front of you.

Following these steps have led me to effectively oversee a massive workforce of an international bank in the UAE, a responsibility I am more than happy to undertake.