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The study - set to take place over the next 15 months - has been funded by aAED 175,000 grant from the National Research Foundation
Dubai - The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) and Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) have recently announced a new research partnership which will see the two organisations join forces to provide much-needed insights into the role of women in the UAE workplace and the factors associated with Emirati women attaining, and succeeding in, leadership positions in the UAE.
Set to take place over the course of the next 15 months, the study is the first of its kind within the region. It will explore the features which come into force to help Emirati women in the workplace, and the challenges and enablers that women may face when climbing the ladder to leadership positions. Investigating the potential role of education, culture, social support structures and personal and career aspirations, it is the researchers' hope that the results will lead to a framework which outlines the factors that influence women's engagement in employment and achievement of leadership roles.
The project has received funding support amounting to AED 175,000 from the National Research Foundationas part of the University-Industry Research Collaboration Award - a Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research initiative that helps to promote university-industry research collaboration projects which establish the agenda for longer-term partnerships in the UAE.
"As advocates of women empowerment, we are humbled by the opportunity to participate in an initiative which will shed light on the women of our country and further afield, our region," said HE Dr. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, President of DBWC. "Our ambition is to provide equal opportunities for women in all aspects of life and through this research we will close the gaps and find answers to many questions."
"Educating women is a priority in the UAE, and compared to other Arab nations, the country has made huge progress with respect to the opportunities that are being provided to women for their effective contribution to the economy. The effective integration of UAE nationals into the workforce is another strategic priority, as outlined in the UAE Vision 2021. It is the aim of this research to contribute to public policy initiatives aimed at career development and leadership development opportunities among Emirati women - which will lead to women having a bigger and more constructive role in the UAE's economy" explained the project's Principal Investigator, UOWD's Dr Payyazhi Jayashree. "It's an incredibly exciting project to be a part ofand one that has enormous potential to make both scholarly and practical contributions".
Nadine Halabi, DBWC's Manager of Business Development added: "Given the focus and mission of DBWC to promote and support the employment of women in Dubai, there was a natural alignment of interest and passion between us and the research proposed by Dr Payyazhi Jayashree and co-investigator Professor Valerie Lindsay of UOWDto make a significant contribution in this area. The outcomes of this study will directly benefit the work of DBWC - along with employers, policy-makers and educators in the UAE. We're looking forward to playing a key role in facilitating the research, as well as disseminating and implementing the key research findings."
Professor Lindsay concluded "This is a wonderful and timely opportunity for a project of this kind, and, hopefully, a catalyst for ongoing work in this important area. To have such a well-supported research environment for the project is, indeed, a privilege, and we are very much looking forward to the outcomes."
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About UOWD
The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is one of the UAE's oldest and most prestigious universities. Established in 1993 by the University of Wollongong in Australia - currently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world - UOW in Dubai represents a pioneering Australian initiative in the Gulf region. The University has over 4,000 students and supports a network of over 7,500 alumni.
About Dubai Business Women Council
Established in 2002, under the umbrella of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Dubai Business Women Council is the official representative organisation for business women, both professionals and entrepreneurs, in the Emirate of Dubai.
Building awareness, educating, promoting opportunities and enhancing positive change in the community towards the acceptance of women in business is at the heart of the DBWC's belief in empowering women and motivating them to be productive members of the society and economy.
The 'Network Majlis' events are hosted monthly by the DBWC in order to provide information about the latest knowledge, skills and best practices for women entrepreneurs and leaders.
For more information about DBWC and their recent activities, visit www.dbwc.ae.
Log on to the Council's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dubai-Business-Woman-Council-DBWC/146645812070341
Media Contact:
Anthony D'Silva, Communicate Gulf (anthony@communicategulf.com)
Mobile: +971 50 4571624. P.O. Box 52821, Dubai, UAE
© Press Release 2015
