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The Lisbon MBA Católica|Nova is celebrating the International Women’s Week by interviewing several inspiring women who have passed through our world-renowned MBA programs. These interviews offer a unique perspective on leadership, career development, and the challenges women face in business. The following interview with Rita Monteiro, alumna from the International MBA 2016 class, will show you the importance of promoting a world where all individuals have access to the same opportunities, rights and resources, irrespective of their gender identity.

Rita Monteiro is Head of Decarbonization at GFG Alliance in Dubai, having previously worked in Sustainability-related positions at Amazon for over 5 years. Rita’s international profile led her to assume management and human resources positions in several countries, such as Cape Verde, France, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, and the UK. 

 

 

1 | What does the International Women’s Day mean to you, and why is it important?

“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the need for continued advocacy and action towards this goal. It is a celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and a call to action to address the many challenges that still exist.”

 

 

2 | In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges that women face today, and how can society address them?

“Despite progress, challenges around gender diversity persist. These include the gender pay gap, lack of women in leadership, gender-based violence, and unconscious bias. While in too many regions, women still face challenges with access to education, in countries with better foundations and efforts to close the gender gap (e.g. US, and Europe), women are still often seen as the primary caregivers for children and elderly relatives.

Closing the gender gap requires a multi-faceted approach, but one of the most critical components is access to education. Basic education requirements for all are essential to ensure that men and women have equal opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life. In addition, education is a powerful tool for empowering women and promoting gender equality and breaking down gender barriers. Moreover, education can help combat gender-based violence and discrimination by promoting a culture of respect, understanding, and empathy. It can also help women gain the knowledge and skills needed to participate fully in their communities and pursue their career aspirations.

Policymakers have a critical role to play in addressing the gender pay gap. They can implement policies and regulations that promote pay transparency, equal pay for equal work, and anti-discrimination measures. Additionally, they can support initiatives to increase access to education and training for women, promote women’s leadership development, and provide greater support for caregivers.”

 

 

3 | Which female leader do you admire the most and why?

“Choosing someone is never easy, but I have recently developed a great admiration for Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. She has challenged gender and age norms while also balancing the demands of building a family and leading a country during some of the most challenging times in recent history.
I find particularly inspiring her honesty, authenticity, and hard work. She has shown the courage to step down when feeling overwhelmed and be true to herself and her values, even when it means being imperfect. Her sense of service was just remarkable. Her example shows that it’s possible to be a strong and effective leader while remaining true to one’s self and values. Her ability to balance multiple demands and show vulnerability when needed is a powerful reminder that leadership comes in many forms and that there is no one right way to be a leader.”

 

 

4 | What are some concrete steps that individuals and organizations can take to promote gender equality and empower women in their communities and workplaces?

“Companies can provide inclusive policies, not compromising on gender pay gap (which persists today and is not taken seriously by many companies). Supporting work-life balance, such as flexible working arrangements and parental leave. Transparency in this step is key, and prioritising data reporting to address any disparities while tackling them with urgency is important. Regular pay audits and clear criteria for salaries and promotions can help ensure gender bias is not a factor.  These policies can help women balance their caregiving responsibilities with their careers and create a more equitable workplace.

Additionally, providing access to tailored and actionable training, both technical and non-technical, as well as unconscious bias training, can help address blind spots related to gender-based discrimination and challenge traditional gender roles.

Organizations can support women’s leadership development by implementing mentoring and sponsorship programs, providing leadership training, and offering networking opportunities.

Companies can also provide services that help alleviate the burden of caregiving responsibilities, which disproportionately falls on women. Offering benefits such as parental leave, flexible working arrangements, and access to childcare services, in addition to innovative services that can help to address the need of elder or family needs more broadly, from mundane tasks to more demanding ones (e.g. medication, etc.). This is particularly important in an ageing world. ”

 

 

5 | Is an MBA a powerful tool for women’s empowerment?

“Of course, as it is any specific education. An MBA can be a powerful tool for women’s empowerment in the workplace. By providing women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in business, an MBA can help break down gender barriers and create opportunities for advancement.
In addition, an MBA can help bring a diversity of thought and perspective to decision-making, leading to more innovative and effective solutions. This can help create a more inclusive and equitable workplace, where women are valued for their contributions and have an equal seat at the table.”

 

 

6 | What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers or trying to make a difference in their communities?

“For young women just starting their careers or trying to make a difference in their communities, remember to believe in yourself and your talents. These talents can be developed through focus and hard work, just like any other skill.

Building your network is also crucial. Learning from diverse practical experiences and observations, in addition to any formal education, can be a valuable complementary step towards achieving your goals. In your network, aim to give as much as you take. Giving back is a great learning tool and can help foster change, growth, and purpose while also bringing clarity to your career path and values.

Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. This can lead to faster growth and help you advance towards the direction you want to explore in your career. By following these tips and pursuing your goals with passion and determination, you can achieve great things and make a positive impact in your community and beyond. Be assertive with others and with yourself without forgetting self-love.

And remember, it’s okay to change your mind. As long as you’re not running away from decisions that are right for you, it’s important to be open to new possibilities and embrace change when it feels right. By being adaptable and flexible, you can create new opportunities for growth and explore new paths that align with your goals and values.”

 

Note: The views, opinions or statements shared in these interviews are those of the alumni or students interviewed.