• UAE women making inroads in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related careers
• Increase in women in STEM careers would give GDP a boost estimated at 12%
• Emirati perceptions of women studying and working in science and technology evolving quickly
The UAE has made considerable progress in empowering women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) - and women are responding with strong academic performance, says a new report by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
UAE Economic Vision: Women in science, technology and engineering, sponsored by the Abu Dhabi-based Advanced Technology Investment Company, shows that Emirati women have reversed a gender gap in education and are now outperforming their male counterparts, including in STEM courses. UAE-based educators describe female Emirati students as being more dedicated and determined than their male colleagues.
Greater female participation in STEM careers is expected to benefit the economy at large. A study by Booz Allen estimates that, if the UAE follows the pattern of Greece, Ireland and Spain (where female participation in STEM careers grew by 15-20% over three decades), this could lead to an increase in productivity and consumption that would boost GDP by 12%.
Aviva Freudmann, the editor of the report, said:
"Women in the UAE have made significant progress over the last 20 years, to a point now where they make up 71% of graduates of government universities. By global standards, there is some way to go, but progress has been swift and the state's backing is proving a powerful catalyst. The survey shows women now see potential careers in science, technology and engineering as prestigious, interesting and instrumental in contributing to the country's development."
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Mathew Hanratty, Press Liaison, +44 (0)20 7576 8546; MathewHanratty@economist.com
Trevor McFarlane, Author TrevorMcFarlane@economist.com +971 50 229 3623
Aviva Freudmann, Research Director-EMEA, Thought Leadership +4969 717188 162 avivafreudmann@economist.com
About the survey
In October and November 2013, the Economist Intelligence Unit conducted a survey of 394 UAE-based female students. Of these, 85% are Emirati nationals and 70% are enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related courses. The majority of respondents are in engineering (50%) at undergraduate level. Most respondents (82%) are between the ages of 18 and 24, but almost 13% have work experience in a science, technology and engineering (STE) environment. The report is also based on in-depth interviews with 19 prominent experts in UAE business and government.
About The Economist Intelligence Unit
The Economist Intelligence Unit is the world leader in global business intelligence. It is the business-to-business arm of The Economist Group, which publishes The Economist newspaper. As the world's leading provider of country intelligence, The Economist Intelligence Unit helps executives make better business decisions by providing timely, reliable and impartial analysis on worldwide market trends and business strategies. More information about The Economist Intelligence Unit can be found at www.eiu.com or follow us on www.twitter.com/theeiu.
© Press Release 2014
