Women are development agents, and their contributions to a nation's success are just as vital as men's. Despite this, the gender gap in the workplace is a worldwide problem. According to the United Nations Statistics Division, just 50% of women of working age were in the labour force in 2015, compared to 77% of men. In the Gulf area alone, the number of working females is also relatively low. According to the Staff Discussion Note (Women, Work, and the Economy: Macroeconomic Gains from Gender Equity) released by the International Monetary Fund staff in 2013, female labour force participation in the MENA area was just 21% between 1990 and 2011.
One of the reasons for such low involvement might be ascribed to the many job problems that women professionals encounter. However, many Arab women have defied all obstacles to make a name for themselves not just in the area, but also abroad. Among the woman leaders worth highlighting are:
Minister of International Cooperation and Development, Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi
2. Reem Al Hashimy, Chairperson of Dubai Cares (a non-governmental organisation dedicated to children's education).
3. Raja Al Gurg, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group Managing Director (a multi divisional conglomerate)
4. Zainab Mohammad, Wasl's Chief Executive Officer (a Dubai-based real estate company)
Noura Al Kaabi, twofour54's Chairwoman (an Abu Dhabi-based media group)
While these are only a few names, there are many more Arab women who are triumphing over life's daily hardships. Taking inspiration from these powerful role models, let us first examine the major difficulties that women in the Gulf confront. Only then can we consider potential remedies.
Top Obstacles for Working Women in the Gulf
The following problems affect women working in the region, which contribute to the huge gender gap in labour force participation:
1. Difficult competition:
The Gulf countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar, are thought to have some of the world's most competitive employment markets. Finding suitable work in the Gulf is challenging, especially given the region's current situation, where the number of job searchers far outnumbers the number of available positions. As a result, standing out at work has become critical for female employees to establish their worth. Make yourself indispensible at work so that employers do not consider replacing you with someone else.
2. Determine which talents are in high demand:
Despite having a high level of education, women have trouble obtaining work in the region. One of the causes is a lack of information about what talents are in demand in the job market, which is equally true for male professionals. As a result, if you want to grow in your profession, you should research the abilities that companies value.
Even the skill requirements for the professions you've been doing for years are changing with time. One approach to stay on top of your game is to continuously identifying these shifting needs and working on extending your skill set.
3. Modes of transportation:
Another important factor discouraging women from pursuing decent employment in the region is the need to commute to work. Female professionals find it incredibly difficult to commute to their employment in nations where women are not permitted to drive. Some firms give transportation to their employees, and we can only hope that more and more organisations will begin to provide this service soon. Those who do not have such facilities could seek assistance from their husbands and family members, or hire a driver or carpool with another working woman who may have the resources to commute.
4. Employers' perspectives:
Many vocations are considered masculine jobs, particularly those that demand field work and physical strength. Furthermore, it has been observed that companies prefer to recruit employees of the same gender as themselves. With more men already in high-level positions, the odds of a woman getting a job offer are slim. Finding job is especially challenging for folks who have just married or are planning a family. However, there is a noticeable movement in employer views, notably in nations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. With more women leaving the house and entering the labour force, the gender gap may narrow in the future.
In addition, uneven remuneration and juggling family and work are significant obstacles for women professionals in the Gulf. Although these issues are global in nature, they have a negative impact on women's motivation to work when paired with other difficulties they confront. There are relatively few organisations in the Gulf that provide flexible working hours, work from home options, or on-site daycare. As a result, juggling career and family life becomes increasingly difficult for women. However, many businesses in the region are beginning to recognise the value of female workers and their contributions to the firm. Employers in the Gulf might be expected to implement more women-friendly policies over time.
There is still a long way to go in terms of salary equality.
The good news is that many powerful women are speaking out and calling attention to the problem in order to alter it for the better. The battle may be protracted, but equal pay for women does not appear to be insurmountable.
Career Suggestions for Gulf Women
The problems that women professionals encounter are numerous; nonetheless, in order to overcome these challenges, it is necessary to battle against all odds. The following are a few pointers for women working in the Gulf to follow in their professional life in order to succeed:
1. Self-assurance is essential:
You will not be able to advance in your job if you lack confidence. Employers need strong female leaders who are not intimidated by workplace bias or the day-to-day job hurdles that are thrown at them. Women gain confidence when they stop questioning themselves, speak up for themselves, and are not hesitant to call out the unfairness they confront.
Keep in mind that it is only your confidence that will assist you climb the corporate ladder.
2. Provide value:
Simply showing up to work every day and executing your daily tasks is insufficient. You must consider innovative methods to provide value to the project(s) you are working on.
Candidates with strong analytical abilities and a problem-solving approach are highly valued by employers. If you know a better method to execute the same task more efficiently and successfully, don't be afraid to tell your manager. Employers always appreciate good ideas that produce results.
3. Develop new skills:
It is critical to broaden your skill set in order to remain appealing in the job market and to employers. Modern occupations are always changing, and you must remain up to speed with the latest information in order to execute the work even better than before. So, to remain ahead of your opponents, constantly acquiring new talents. There are several online learning tools accessible to assist you in acquiring new skills and honing old ones. No matter how amazing your technical talents are, soft skills become as crucial as you go up the ladder. As a result, ensure that your soft skills are as solid as your technical skills.
4. Never be scared to say "No":
Understand that you may not be able to please everyone in a professional context. Furthermore, it is not your responsibility to appease others at work. Your duty is to accomplish your work as well as you possibly can. There is nothing wrong with working hard and contributing to the project at hand. However, doing someone else's task is not always a sensible idea. Take a minute to consider this whenever someone (boss or subordinate) asks you to do anything for them.
- Will it be beneficial to the project?
- Whether or whether you will receive credit for your efforts?
Women have an important role in nation building and economic development. Make an effort to contribute not just to the nation, but also to the organisation with which you are affiliated, as well as to your family.