Across the Middle East, notable progress has been made in narrowing the gender gap in education, but there remains a substantial journey ahead. The discourse on gender diversity often leads to debates about the skills and credential gaps between men and women, which underscores the pivotal role of education in fostering a more equitable society.
When we inspect the connection between education and women’s advancement, it becomes evident quality education serves as a linchpin, not merely for individual development but as a powerful force for societal transformation, especially in driving female leadership in the business world.
Education and gender equality
Access to education is a fundamental right in the 21st century, yet, many women have been denied this opportunity, which continues cycles of inequality in society. Encouragingly, in the Middle East and North Africa, significant strides have been made when compared to other parts of the world.
According to UNESCO, the gender parity index (GPI) for primary education in the Arab States region, which includes countries in the Middle East, reached gender parity at 0.97 in 2021 compared to 0.83 in 1992. UNESCO figures show that the gross enrolment rate for women in advanced education is increasing rapidly, with women’s enrolment rates equaling or exceeding men’s rates in 15 out of 22 Arab countries.
Moreover, MENA countries have closed over 96 percent of the gender gap in education and health, which serves as a crucial foundation for empowering women in these sectors. The growing gender equality in primary and higher education serves as an excellent precursor to promoting gender equality in workplaces and boardrooms.
Cultivating female leaders through education
In the journey towards gender equity and inclusive leadership, the role of continuous education cannot be overstated. While primary, secondary, and tertiary education provide fundamental building blocks for academic success, nurturing female leaders necessitates a commitment to ongoing learning that transcends traditional educational milestones. Advanced business degrees, such as the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), help students develop the essential leadership skills required to navigate the complexities of dynamic organisations and industries.
Crafted to enrich leadership skills and business expertise, the skills students could acquire from a top-quality EMBA programme encompass foundational knowledge in finance, strategy, and operations, alongside soft skills such as adaptability and negotiation, offering women invaluable resources for excelling in leadership roles. These skills empower women to spearhead innovation, cultivate diversity, and champion equality within their respective spheres.
Furthermore, access to executive career coaching and other support services available through EMBA programmes can play a pivotal role in aiding women as they progress in their careers and navigate barriers to advancement.
With an increasing number of women pursuing higher education, including advanced degrees, a burgeoning cohort of skilled and empowered individuals emerges, poised to assume leadership across diverse sectors. Investment in education across all phases of one’s career, not only equips women with the requisite tools for success but also enriches communities and economies through diverse leadership perspectives.
Navigating the path to educational equity
In the pursuit of educational equity, it’s imperative to address the gender disparities that persist in leadership opportunities. Women aspiring to advance their leadership potential can leverage educational opportunities to embark on a journey marked by confidence, mindset shifts, and strategic networking. Embracing leadership roles with assurance despite uncertainties, adopting proactive mindsets to tackle gender equity challenges, and building networks of mentors and sponsors are essential steps for women to navigate this path.
Simultaneously, organisations play a pivotal role in fostering gender equity. Leadership commitment to dismantling barriers for women’s advancement is paramount. This involves rethinking systems and policies to alleviate the burden on individuals and promote transparency, fairness, and flexibility in the workplace. Additionally, organisations should implement policies that sponsor high-performing female employees seeking an advanced degree to help build their strengths and propel their career advancement. Through the adoption of these strategies, we foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace, benefiting both individuals and the broader community.
Advancing gender equality in education not only promotes inclusivity but also encourages private and public entities to further their gender equality goals in workplaces. Take, for example, the UAE’s Gender Balance Council, established in 2015 with the explicit purpose of promoting gender equality and narrowing employment disparities. With its support, the UAE became the first country in the Middle East to introduce a mandatory female presence in the boardroom and reached the top 25 globally in the gender balance indicator.
Recognising the transformative power of education
In acknowledging the transformative potential of education, it becomes evident that investing in women’s education is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for sustainable development and progress. By empowering women through quality education, including advanced education opportunities such as EMBA programs that cover essential subjects like strategy, operations, and negotiation, we lay the groundwork for a future where gender equality is not just a distant goal but an irrefutable reality. In this envisioned future, women stand at the forefront as catalysts for change, innovators, and leaders, driving progress and fostering inclusive societies.
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