Women around the world lead with courage, resilience, and an unwavering spirit that transforms workplaces and communities alike. Their contributions go far beyond titles and tasks—they inspire action, highlight achievements, and bring attention to challenges that might otherwise be overlooked. It’s not just in the workplace but also at home—no one can imagine a home without mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters. They bring warmth, nurture values, and serve as the central pillars of the household.

Dedicated days like Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day serve as powerful reminders to appreciate and celebrate women's contributions, raise awareness about gender equality, and spark meaningful conversations, both in the workplace and in society.

On this International Women’s Day, Kekst CNC celebrated women who have given so much to the work landscape with a new maternity leave policy of up to one year—a unique gesture of appreciation and support, giving them back what they deserve.

People Matters, in an exclusive conversation with Kekst CNC's Head of the Middle East, Ben Curson, discussed how the organisation celebrates women in the workplace and builds a future where every woman can succeed. Additionally, Abbie Kadom, Head of People & Culture, shared on how their women workers feel about these initiatives.  

Why an extendable maternity leave policy?

Ben shared, "We introduced our enhanced maternity leave policy to better support our employees and align with global best practices. Starting January 1st, 2025, Kekst CNC now provides six months of full pay, along with the option to take up to six additional unpaid months off. The purpose of this initiative is to ensure that working mothers can comfortably decide the time they need for recovery and bonding with their child, reinforcing job security while creating a more supportive environment."

Nudging companies to re-evaluate their parental leave policies..

Whether this initiative will encourage more companies to rethink their parental leave policies, Ben says: "I hope so. By setting this high standard at Kekst CNC, we expect that other consultancy firms and companies will see the benefit of rethinking their policies. The strategic communications business is inherently stressful and highly demanding, as our employees are often advising corporate clients during their most critical, high-stakes moments. Supporting working parents is key to improving retention and morale in such a high-pressure environment, and we hope to inspire broader changes across the industry.

Challenges and opportunities in implementing such progressive policies..

Ben shared, "Implementing this policy in a region with a diverse workforce like the Middle East certainly presents some challenges, such as navigating cultural differences from one country to another. Some countries have varying labour laws, while smaller companies may face challenges in sustaining the financial burden of such benefits. 

At the same time, however, opportunities include promoting inclusivity and diversity, fostering innovation and better decision-making, setting a new benchmark for workplace support, and positively affecting talent retention.

Progressive policies such as ours can also serve to increase female participation in the workforce, which is a stated part of the economic agenda for diversification in many Gulf countries."

Supporting new mothers…

"Alongside extended leave, we offer flexible return-to-work arrangements and Keeping In Touch (KIT) days. These allow new mothers to stay connected and informed about the latest developments in the daily life of the company, facilitating a smoother transition back to work."

Attracting talented women..

Ben highlighted, "With initiatives like our enhanced maternity policy, Kekst CNC is positioning itself as a standout in a region where such policies are not yet widespread, and therefore as a preferred employer with a competitive edge that is committed to diversity and employee wellbeing. This initiative also, we hope, makes it more likely that we will be able to attract highly skilled women with ambitions for long-term career growth and leadership roles without having to compromise on quality of family life.

After all, people who feel supported in the workplace are generally more engaged, productive, and dedicated to their jobs."

Future of working women in the Middle East

Ben reflected, "The future for women workforce in the Middle East is promising, supported by the government and initiatives by businesses to further empower women. For example, the UAE has made significant strides with its Gender Balance Council, which aims to enhance female participation in the economy, Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 includes ambitious goals to increase the participation of women in the workplace.

At Kekst CNC, we see our progressive policies as an effective extension of these governmental initiatives, complementing important national efforts to promote greater inclusion and empowerment of women in the workforce."

Abbie, Head of People & Culture, voiced the collective thoughts of women workers

How do you feel this new maternity leave policy will impact your career journey and work-life balance?

Abbie shared, “As the Head of People and Culture at Kekst CNC, I see our new maternity leave policy as a game-changer—not just for working parents but for our entire organisation. This is more than just time off; it’s a statement that we value and support our people through every stage of their lives.”

“Too often, talented professionals—especially women—face an unfair trade-off between career growth and starting a family. This policy eliminates that choice. It gives parents the time, security, and confidence to focus on their new role at home without compromising their future at work.” 

“By prioritizing both career sustainability and well-being, we’re setting a new standard for what it means to truly support our people. This policy isn’t just about balance—it’s about ensuring our employees can thrive, both professionally and personally, without having to sacrifice one for the other. That’s the kind of culture that drives long-term success.” she added.

Q. What does this policy mean to you in terms of feeling supported as a working mother? Would it help boost your confidence in balancing career growth with motherhood?

Abbie answered, “As a working mother, this policy is deeply personal. It’s a powerful affirmation that parenthood and professional ambition are not at odds—they can and should coexist. Knowing that Kekst CNC has put a policy in place that truly supports working parents makes me feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive in both roles.”

She added, “This level of support isn’t just about time off; it’s about peace of mind. It allows mothers to focus on their families without the fear of falling behind in their careers. That, in turn, boosts confidence—confidence that when we return, we are stepping back into an environment that respects our journey, acknowledges our contributions, and champions our continued growth.

By creating a workplace where working mothers are fully supported, we’re not just talking about balance—we’re enabling success in both career and family life. And that’s incredibly meaningful.”

How does this initiative set a benchmark for workplace policies in the industry, and influence women’s long-term career plans and aspirations?

Abbie reflected, “This initiative is more than just a policy—it’s a statement. It sets a new benchmark for how companies should support their people, proving that true workplace equity isn’t just about attracting top talent but about retaining and empowering them throughout every stage of life. In an industry where demanding careers often force individuals to make difficult choices between personal milestones and professional ambitions, this policy challenges that norm. It acknowledges that people perform at their best when they feel valued and supported, not pressured to compromise on what matters most.”

Sharing her own experience, she said: “For my own long-term career, this reinforces my belief that workplaces can evolve to be both high-performing and deeply human. It strengthens my commitment to driving meaningful change, ensuring that corporate cultures adapt to the realities of modern life. By setting this precedent, Kekst CNC is leading the way in making workplaces more inclusive and sustainable—where no one has to choose between success at work and fulfillment at home. This is the future of work, and I’m proud to be part of shaping it.”

What additional support would make returning to work smoother for new mothers? 

Abbie underlined, “Beyond extended maternity leave, true support for new mothers lies in how we facilitate their transition back to work. One key initiative would be offering a dedicated nursing space—a comfortable, private, and well-equipped area where breastfeeding mothers can pump without stress. Having a designated space sends a clear message: we recognize the challenges of new motherhood and are committed to making the return to work as seamless as possible.”

“Additionally, flexible working arrangements, phased return options, and access to resources like parenting support networks or mentorship programs for working parents can further ease the transition. It’s about creating an environment where new mothers feel supported not just in policy, but in practice—ensuring they can confidently reintegrate without feeling like they have to choose between being present for their child and excelling in their careers.” she added. 

If you could say one thing to the leadership team about this initiative, what would it be?

Abbie conveyed, “If I could say one thing to the leadership team, it would be this: This initiative isn’t just a policy—it’s a legacy. By prioritizing real support for working parents, you are shaping a culture where people don’t have to choose between career success and family. This kind of leadership sets the tone for the entire industry, proving that a truly progressive workplace invests in its people at every stage of life. Thank you for recognizing that when we support our employees holistically, we create a stronger, more committed, and more successful organisation.”