The work market is moving as quickly as the rest of the planet. Many of the talents that were in demand 10 years ago, such as speed typing and shorthand, are less relevant today, and new skills are required to fulfil the demands of the modern labour. But there is a big skill gap between what employers want and what job seekers have. Employers now look for candidates with knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, including blockchain, data analysis, and digital marketing, as well as current communication platforms (Slack, Zoom, etc.), online productivity, online chat, and virtual interviews. Collective action is necessary to close this gap, and women are crucial in identifying the critical elements that close skill development gaps.
Although they have long been important members of the workforce, women’s efforts are frequently overlooked. Women often have restricted access to education and training, which makes it challenging for them to develop the skills necessary for professional success. Only 35% of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) graduates from postsecondary institutions worldwide are women, according to UNICEF. Additionally, 1 billion women and girls globally lack the skills needed to compete in a job environment that is changing quickly. In addition, 1 in 4 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are not in school, the workforce, or training, which is twice as many as boys in the same age range.
The UAE in particular is seeing a change in this pattern, with more and more women assuming leadership positions in a variety of sectors, including business, politics, and education. According to the UAE Gender Balance Council, women currently hold one of the highest percentages of cabinet positions in the region (27.3%), 50% of seats in the UAE Federal National Council, and 30% of jobs in the diplomatic corps. It is a clear outcome of the UAE government’s steadfast dedication to advancing economic empowerment for women in order to achieve educational achievement and gender equality in the workplace. The UAE’s work regulations saw significant changes in 2022 as a result of Federal Decree-Law No. 33, which prioritises female empowerment. Among other features, the reform ensures extended maternity leave and pay parity for men and women. Undoubtedly, it will contribute to the general economic empowerment of women in the UAE and help to establish a more equal workplace.
The UAE has taken the initiative to embrace online learning as technology and digitisation continue to revolutionise the domains of work and education in order to establish an inclusive and integrated knowledge economy. As a representative of the UAE Permanent Mission to the UN, Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, spoke at the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women on March 9 and said, “My country continues to promote women in technology and guarantee they have equal opportunities. In my nation, women have gained more power in the sciences. We are aiming to give women equal possibilities after graduation as there are 61% female students studying at STEM-related universities in the United Arab Emirates. For instance, women made up 80% of the science team and 34% of the Emirates Mars Mission, giving them the chance to be involved in making decisions and developing technologies for this industry.
It is now simpler for women to overcome traditional educational constraints, such as mobility, safety, and family responsibilities, thanks to the accessibility, flexibility, and affordability of online courses. Women contribute distinctive viewpoints and experiences as more of them use online learning to expand their skill sets. This diversity of viewpoints is essential for creating programmes and courses that are applicable and efficient for a wide range of learners. Women’s perspectives on online learning are important since they emphasise the need of flexibility. It can be difficult for many women to finish traditional on-site training because of their commitments to their families and caregiving duties. They may learn at their own pace and on their own time with online courses, which makes it simpler for them to juggle their other obligations. Women are assisting in the development of a more accessible and inclusive educational system by highlighting the value of flexibility.
In order to enable women to play more active roles in the workforce, workplace training is essential. The fact that both the public and commercial sectors are spending more money on training initiatives is promising. To increase female engagement, businesses must continue to take the lead in these initiatives while thinking about how to make their programmes more gender-inclusive. It will contribute to the development of a more equal and welcoming workplace for women, increasing worker diversity and promoting gender equality. Therefore, companies must give gender-inclusive approaches top priority in their training initiatives.
While increasing training possibilities is essential, businesses must also make an effort to support flexible work settings. Women who work in flexible circumstances are more likely to have the time and space for introspection they need to acquire, assess, and update the skills they need to succeed in the job market. Additionally, businesses can eliminate outdated gender norms and encourage more women to engage in the workforce by using a successful hybrid model.
Leading edtech firms like Alef Education have consistently contributed significantly to the empowerment of women through online learning by making education accessible from remote locations, providing the flexibility that many women require to balance work, family, and education, and by giving them the chance to gain new skills and knowledge that can improve their career prospects. In the K–12 sector, women make up a sizable portion of the workforce. Teachers and other school personnel can attend professional development seminars offered by Alef Education to help them adjust to the evolving digital education system. Additionally, we are dedicated to integrating contemporary technologies into instructional strategies. To teach teachers and employees how to use contemporary technology and solutions in the UAE’s education sector, we frequently offer professional development seminars.
