In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant strides in advancing gender equality, particularly in the workplace. With initiatives such as extra paid leaves, one-year breaks, and remote work options, the UAE government and companies are creating the best workplace for women.
According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2021, the UAE ranks first in the Arab world and 121st globally, an improvement from its previous ranking of 120th. The report measures gender-based disparities in economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. The UAE has made notable progress in reducing the gender gap in the economic participation and opportunity category, which measures the gender gap in labor force participation, wage equality, and the number of women in leadership positions.
One of the initiatives that the UAE government has implemented is the maternity and paternity leave policy. The maternity leave policy has been extended to 90 days, with an option to take an additional 100 days of unpaid leave. The paternity leave policy, on the other hand, has been increased to five working days. These policies are designed to encourage new parents to take time off work to bond with their children and provide support during the early stages of parenthood.
Another initiative that has gained popularity among companies in the UAE is the option for employees, both men and women, to take a one-year career break. This policy allows employees to take a break from work for up to one year, with the option to return to the same job or a similar position after the break. This initiative has been particularly beneficial for women who need time off for family reasons, such as taking care of a sick family member or raising children.
Remote work options have also become increasingly common in the UAE, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE government has encouraged companies to adopt flexible working arrangements, including remote work, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees. Remote work has provided women with greater flexibility to manage their work and personal lives, particularly for those who have family responsibilities.
These initiatives have not only contributed to creating a more gender-inclusive workplace but have also had a positive impact on the UAE economy. According to a study conducted by management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, advancing women’s equality in the UAE could boost the country’s economy by $100 billion by 2025.
To further promote gender equality in the UAE, there have been calls for increased representation of women in leadership positions. While progress has been made, women still face barriers to accessing leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. Initiatives such as mentoring programs, leadership training, and quotas for women in leadership positions have been suggested as ways to address this issue.
Additionally, there have been discussions around the gender pay gap in the UAE. While there are no official statistics on the gender pay gap in the UAE, studies have shown that women in the country earn less than men, particularly in the private sector. To address this issue, companies have been encouraged to conduct pay audits to ensure pay equity and transparency.
Finally, there have been efforts to promote women’s entrepreneurship in the UAE. The government has launched several initiatives to support women-owned businesses, including funding programs, training and mentorship opportunities, and networking events. These initiatives are aimed at increasing the number of women entrepreneurs in the UAE and supporting their growth and success.
Overall, the UAE’s commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace is commendable, and the initiatives implemented thus far have had a positive impact. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that women have equal access to leadership positions, pay equity, and entrepreneurship opportunities. As the UAE continues to prioritize gender equality, it will not only benefit women but also contribute to the country’s overall economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the UAE has made significant progress in advancing gender equality in the workplace through initiatives such as extra paid leaves, one-year breaks, and remote work options. These initiatives have not only created a more gender-inclusive workplace but have also had a positive impact on the economy. As the UAE continues to make strides towards gender equality, it serves as a role model for other countries in the region to follow.
