On Emirati Women’s Day, celebrated annually on August 28, the UAE takes pride in its strides towards empowering women, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem).
Established in 2015 by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, wife of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, Emirati Women's Day honours the achievements and contributions of the nation's female population.
One milestone to celebrate this year is that 61 per cent of Stem graduates in the UAE are women, a notable contrast to the 57 per cent average across the Arab world, according to Unesco.
This statistic underscores the UAE’s aspirations to close the gender gap in Stem education, setting a global example for other nations to follow.
In 2023, the worldwide gender gap in Stem remains stark, with women comprising only 28 per cent of the workforce. Even in technologically advanced regions, the numbers are concerning: only 24 per cent in the US, 17 per cent in the EU, 16 per cent in Japan and a mere 14 per cent in India, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Yet the UAE stands out for its success in advancing women in the study of these fields.
A UAE first
The UAE has made significant strides in empowering women to excel in Stem,, with stories of trailblazers, innovative educational initiatives, and collaborations between academic institutions and industries leading the way.
One such trailblazer is Marwa Al Mamari, the UAE’s first Emirati woman aerospace engineer. During her final year of school, Ms Al Mamari sought a career that would push her beyond her comfort zone.
"Aerospace engineering, with its blend of advanced technology, complex problem-solving and innovation potential stood out to me as the ideal field to pursue these goals," she told The National.
Her achievement is not merely a personal milestone but a reflection of the UAE's growing support for women in Stem fields. Ms Al Mamari's story embodies the nation’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, especially in areas traditionally dominated by men. “Women bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches essential for scientific and technological advancements,” she added.
Ms Al Mamari was also chosen to participate in Dyson’s latest campaign, The FIRSTS, which champions pioneering women from the region who are redefining success and innovation.
An educational push
Supporting girls in entering Stem fields involves a multifaceted effort with educational institutions, organisations, and the broader community.
Nargish Khambatta, principal of Gems Modern Academy in Dubai, said Gems Education has been at the forefront of promoting Stem teaching for more than a decade.
"Stem programmes were introduced at The Cambridge High School – Abu Dhabi in the early 2010s, starting with basic robotic kits and scientific experiments," Ms Khambatta told The National.
She added that Stem standards have been integrated into Gems schools’ curriculums, providing pupils with cutting-edge technology, hands-on experience, after-school coding clubs, robotics teamwork and scientific research projects.
These drives have led to a noticeable increase in female pupils pursuing Stem subjects. For example, Cambridge High School – Abu Dhabi has seen more females actively participating in Stem-related courses and competitions, showcasing their talents and gaining confidence.
Education and business for girls
Collaborative projects between educational institutions and industries are vital in nurturing the next generation of female Stem professionals.
Help AG, a cybersecurity company, and the University of Wollongong in Dubai organised a Steam camp for young girls from grades six to 10. By incorporating Steam learning – with the A standing for art – the girls were exposed to a holistic approach to education in the hope of encouraging them towards a career in an associated field of work.
The plan was to ignite their passion for Stem learning through hands-on experiences and exposure to real-world applications.
Soumya Prajna, senior director of innovation and growth initiatives at Help AG, reflected on the importance of such initiatives.
"By providing young girls with hands-on experience, we hoped to ignite their passion for these fields and show them that they have a place in this industry," she said. "Our aim was not only to inspire these girls but also to set an example for other organisations in the region to take similar initiatives."
The camp was deemed a great success, with participants displaying impressive creativity, innovation and problem-solving abilities.
“These young girls, who were once hesitant about entering Stem fields due to societal stereotypes and a lack of representation, left the camp with newfound confidence and enthusiasm for pursuing careers in science and technology,” Ms Prajna added.
As the UAE continues to celebrate the achievements of Emirati women, the focus on Stem education remains critical to their progress.
By nurturing young girls' interest in Stem, providing them with the necessary resources and showcasing role models such as Ms Al Mamari, the UAE is paving the way for a future where women play an even more significant role in shaping technological and scientific advancements.
