Rania Wehbi, IBM Business Unit Leader at Gulf Business Machines (GBM), shares; inclusion is achieved when women are equally represented in leadership, paid fairly, and empowered to succeed in all industries
What are your views on this year’s IWD 2025 theme “Accelerate Action”, how can we truly achieve diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Rania Wehbi: This year’s IWD theme “Accelerate Action” is a call to take concrete steps towards creating equal opportunities for all. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in many industries – technology being a key example – especially in leadership and decision-making roles. Unconscious bias continues to influence the hiring and promotion decisions, creating barriers to true equity.
To drive real change, we must implement measurable policies such as gender diversity targets in leadership and pay equity audits, ensuring accountability in closing the gender gap. Additionally, organizations must actively challenge biases by adopting blind recruitment processes and providing unconscious bias training for hiring managers. True inclusion is achieved when women are equally represented in leadership, paid fairly, and empowered to succeed in all industries.
Can you share your journey into the tech world and what inspired you to pursue this, where did it all start?
Rania Wehbi: My journey into the tech world began with my decision to pursue engineering, a choice influenced as much by my academic strengths, as by my drive to take on challenges. Throughout my academic years, I consistently ranked at the top of my class, excelling in mathematics and sciences. However, at the time, my understanding of engineering was limited; all I knew was that it was a rigorous and demanding discipline.
Being someone who thrives on challenges, I was naturally drawn to Computer and Communications Engineering (CCE), a field known for its technical depth and for attracting top students. Choosing CCE was not just about academic prestige; it was about pushing my limits and stepping into a field that shapes the future.
As I delved deeper into the world of technology, I discovered my passion for how technological advancements can transform every aspect of our lives – how it revolutionizes industries, enhances communication, and drives sustainability. This realization drove me to pursue further studies in emerging technologies, ensuring that I stay at the forefront of innovation and make a meaningful impact in the industry. Looking back, this decision laid the foundation for my career, equipping me with the skills and vision to navigate and influence an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Who would you consider your role model, someone who constantly inspires you? (Does not really have to be from the professional world only, can be someone at home too )
Rania Wehbi: My daughters are my greatest inspiration, each embodying the qualities that constantly motivate me. My eldest, Yara, is a master of time management. She excels in maintaining a perfect balance between her university studies – consistently earning a place on the Dean’s Honor List – while actively engaging in social activities and extracurricular clubs. Her ability to juggle multiple commitments with excellence is truly admirable. My second daughter, Nai, is the definition of determination. She knows exactly what she wants, and when she sets a goal, she pushes beyond her comfort zone to achieve it. Her relentless drive and perseverance remind me that no challenge is too great when met with the right mindset. My youngest daughter, Janine, is a young yet remarkably responsible and independent girl. She has a strong sense of self-reliance and is always a pillar of support for everyone at home. Her maturity and willingness to help others make her an inspiration in her own right. Each of them, in their own way, teach me valuable lessons about discipline, resilience, and responsibility. Their unique strengths constantly push me to be a better version of myself, both personally and professionally.
Beyond my daughters, I find immense inspiration in every working mother. They exemplify the daily struggle of balancing professional responsibilities while being fully present for their families, a struggle I deeply relate to. As a mother, I have continuously worked to be present for my children while upholding high professional standards and striving for excellence in my career. Watching other women navigate this delicate balance with resilience and dedication reassures me that, while demanding, this journey is also profoundly rewarding.
Rapid Fire (Let’s get to know you more)
- Dinner with a famous personality, who would it be? Oprah Winfrey
- One skill you wish you could learn instantly? Public speaking with ease, without feeling overly anxious
- Android or Apple? 😃 Apple
- WhatsApp or Telegram? WhatsApp
- Phone call or text message/email? Phone call
- Beaches or Mountains? Mountains
- Coffee or Tea? Coffee
- Early Bird or Night owl? Used to be a Night owl, but I’m slowly turning into an early bird – must be one of those things that come with age!😊
- Books or Movies? Books
- Winter or Summer? Summer
- Online shopping or in-store shopping? Online shopping
What advice would you give to women starting off their careers, aspiring to enter the tech/business field?
My first piece of advice is to never let anyone undermine your capabilities. Believe in yourself, make sure your voice is heard, and take a front seat at the table.
At the same time, remain coachable, embrace learning, seek mentorship, and continuously work on improving yourself to stay ahead in the field. However, in the pursuit of growth, never lose sight of who you are. Stay authentic, and confidently express your thoughts and ideas, as your unique perspective is what will truly set you apart.
