Towards a Knowledge-Based Economy: Expanding the Role of Women in Science, Technology and Engineering in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) diversifies its economy towards knowledge-based industries, maximizing the participation of the national workforce, particularly women, in the science, technology and engineering (STE) fields is of the utmost importance. This study is the first to perform a thorough assessment of the factors that encourage and inhibit women's engagement in STE in the UAE, illustrating the complex dynamics behind women's low participation in these fields. Using survey and case study research methods, the impact of socio-economic, institutional, and cultural factors on women's choices regarding education and careers in STE related fields are examined. The study addresses the following research questions: (1) What are the factors that affect women's decision to enroll in STE disciplines in the UAE?; (2) What are the factors that affect women's decision to pursue careers in STE?; and (3) What policies could be developed to increase women's engagement in STE fields? The study identifies culturally sensitive and informed policy recommendations for attracting more women students in STE-related fields. The findings indicate the urgency for substantive and systemic interventions in this regard. Although individualism is taking a larger role in the society, family remains one of the highest influences on women's decisions regarding education and careers. Hence, there is a need for educational institutions to further involve and inform families of female students' educational and career development prospects. Significant improvements have to be made at the high-school level to stimulate students' interests in the STE field. In addition, national-level campaigns are necessary to cultivate awareness about STE professions. To ensure greater social equality in the STE fields, a re-assessment of selection procedures at universities, with the aim of drawing females of higher socio-economic status to the STE profession, is required. Showcasing the achievements of female STE role models in academia and industry must be promoted on a more visible level. Positive discrimination in terms of hiring STE women professionals into key positions would be a critical move in articulating the advancement potential of such careers. Closer collaboration between academia, industry, and the government should be fostered, focusing on integrating females further into the STE labor market. Additionally, implementation of Emiratization quotas should be veered towards the STE fields. Increasing the availability of STE university programs across the Emirates will be a necessary requisite for greater STE enrolment on a larger scale. Such initiatives, if implemented in a considerate and holistic manner, may aid in ameliorating the imbalances in educational participation in the STE fields.

Date of Award	Dec 2011
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Georgeta Vidican (Supervisor)