Neurodiversity specialist Anna Kaminski stresses the need for accessibility in workplaces

With 15% of the global population living with some form of disability, there is a growing need for accessible and inclusive workplaces, says Kaminski

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 26, 2024—At the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024, held at Madinat Jumeirah from November 26 to 27, Anna Kaminski, Neurodiversity Specialist Consultant, The Butterfly, CEO, and Founder of NeuroKinds, delivered an impactful session titled Transforming Challenges into Achievements: Women of Determination in the Workplace. The session explored women’s unique strengths of determination and the systemic changes needed to foster inclusive work environments.

Kaminski began by sharing striking statistics, highlighting that 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability, with 80% of these being invisible. Disabilities, she explained, encompass a broad spectrum, including physical, sensory, medical, intellectual, psychological, and neurodevelopmental conditions, and 80% of these conditions are acquired during a person’s lifetime.

“Despite these numbers, biases and stereotypes persist,” Kaminski said. “Women of Determination are often overlooked for leadership roles and confined to entry-level positions because of the assumption that they need extensive help or cannot excel.”

She emphasised that inclusivity is often a matter of making simple accommodations. “A ramp for wheelchair access or standing desks for employees with ADHD can significantly improve workplace accessibility,” she pointed out. “It’s not about overhauling systems but addressing needs to create equity and opportunity. Equity ensures fair treatment and creates conditions based on needs. The company leadership must model inclusive behaviour to ensure an accessible environment.”

“More women than men have a disability. According to the UN, 1 in 5 women have a disability, as opposed to 1 in 8 men. Women are more vulnerable to discrimination due to lower financial, legal, relational and societal power,” she added.

Kaminski also addressed the broader challenges faced by women of determination, including societal biases and limited accessibility. Girls are often seen as less capable than boys, particularly in cultures where men are expected to be breadwinners.

This belief restricts their opportunities and contributes to systemic gender and disability discrimination. Women of Determination are also more vulnerable to mental health challenges, with higher rates of depression and anxiety stemming from exclusion and stigma.

She underscored the importance of shifting perceptions and creating inclusive environments where differences are celebrated. Kaminski urged organisations to implement robust policies, provide tailored accommodations, and hold leadership accountable for fostering equity. “Equity isn’t just about fairness,” she explained. “It’s about creating conditions where everyone can thrive.”

Kaminski also highlighted the tangible benefits of inclusion, noting that people of determination bring unique perspectives and drive intellectual diversity. By incorporating these perspectives, businesses can foster innovation, strengthen communities, and increase shareholder value. “Women of determination are not just participants in the workplace; they are leaders who bring resilience and a wealth of experience to the table,” she said.

She closed with a call for collective action. “Building inclusive workplaces isn’t just about policies; it’s about cultural change. When you see women of determination excelling as professionals, mothers, and community members, you realise the power of inclusion. By fostering an environment where everyone belongs, we empower individuals and strengthen society.”

-ENDS-

 

About Dubai Women Establishment

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed as a statutory body of Dubai Government in 2006 under law no. (24) by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE aims to enhance the professional and leadership capabilities of women, increase their participation in the comprehensive development journey, and strengthen their role in shaping the economic and social future of Dubai, by proposing and developing relevant and impactful policies. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of DWE and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. DWE’s strategic plan for 2023-2027 includes three pillars: creating an enabling environment for women in the labour market, developing women leaders, and enhancing the quality of life for women in society, through which DWE seeks to achieve its vision of “Dubai as a pioneering model for women-friendly cities.” The new strategic plan focuses on contributing to the strengthening of supporting legislation and policies, consolidating partnerships and allowing women to influence locally and globally.

About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD) provides a platform to explore new strategies for enhancing gender balance and raising women’s participation in the economy and society worldwide. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, GWFD reflects the UAE’s leadership in advancing gender equality and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. Since its inception eight years ago, the forum has become a leading international gathering for fostering dialogue and collaboration to address challenges and opportunities for women worldwide. With a rich agenda featuring diverse discussions, transformative workshops, and impactful speakers, GWFD brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to inspire progress toward building a more inclusive and sustainable future. The 2024 edition of GWFD, themed The Power of Influence, takes place on November 26-27 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, gathering over 6,000 participants, 250 speakers and 25 prominent figures and ministers from across the globe. The 130 panel discussions at the forum centre on three pillars: Future Economies and Societies, Collective Engagements and Actions, and Impactful Technologies and Innovations.