Gendered STEM: A Systematic Review and Applied Analysis of Female Participation in STEM in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The present study aims to identify potential barriers that women in the United Arab Emirates might face if they pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). For this purpose, a systematic review and subsequent applied analysis of the UAE context was developed. The systematic review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. The review was performed on EBSCO, ProQuest, Wiley Online Library, Gale, Taylor and Francis Online, SAGE Complete, and JSTOR. The initial database search yielded 168 articles. Following a review of the corresponding abstracts, eight full-text articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected. The results obtained are discussed in the context of the UAE and help inform policy proposals and future research lines to strengthen the involvement of women in STEM careers. The study found that while women in the UAE have greater access to education in engineering and STEM fields, women’s employment prospects in these sectors remain fraught.

Investigating Factors Influencing Career Choice of Emirati Women in the Satellite and Space Industry in the UAE

“…Furthermore, some people believe that STEM fields are no longer considered male-only sectors in the UAE, as young girls are participating in schools and universities STEM courses actively, outperforming boys in several cases since the adaptation of STEM in schools (Zaatari, 2019), and Emirati women have continued to outnumber their male colleagues in STEM education, despite psychological, social and gender preconceptions, as well as cultural complications in having leadership roles (Pasha-Zaidi & Afari, 2016). Nonetheless, even though female participation in secondary and tertiary STEM education has increased with the UAE's economic development goals, the workforce continues to skew male (Alzaabi et al, 2021).…”

“…Hence, Emirati women stressed on the importance of female mentors in affecting their career success, and they are constantly looking up to an appropriate female role model (Al Matroushi et al, 2020). Female mentors or role models are important for gender equity and closing the gender gap in male-dominated sectors, and Emirati women in STEM fields have a big desire to be role models for other females (Alzaabi et al, 2021).…”

“…The persistence of various signs of stereotypes and patriarchy continue to constrain the female career in the UAE, Emirati women expressed that familial influence had a great impact on their job selection, and that Emirati women chose a career path that is considered suitable by their parents, particularly their fathers (Naguib & Jamali, 2015). Fathers in the UAE persuade their daughters that STEM disciplines are appealing career paths by using the likelihood of employment in a reputable governmental or private company (Howe-Walsh et al, 2020;Williams et al, 2013) the mothers also wants for their daughters to be successful and independent financially Alzaabi et al, 2021). Therefore, the family plays a central role in the life of both women and men and is the sole institution through which individuals inherit their and cultural identities, religion and social class, family interest overrides individual interest, and the family greatly affects the Emirati women's attitude and choices, and her ability to combine both work and family responsibilities are often acknowledged as key to having a career and remaining within the labor force (Houjeir et al, 2019).…”

What Challenges Affect Arab Women’s Engagement in STEM Fields, Particularly Engineering: A Systematized Literature Review

“…Women in STEM fields, particularly engineering, face various challenges worldwide before, during, and after graduation. These challenges may include financial constraints, math anxiety, gender stereotypes, and the pursuit of career prestige, quality infrastructure, and amenities [20]. However, Arab women encounter additional obstacles that are predominantly rooted in social and cultural norms, including patriarchal cultures, gender stereotypes, and workplace discrimination, which lead to limiting their education and career growth and hindering their professional development.…”

“…A systematic literature review identified potential barriers for women pursuing STEM careers, focusing on the UAE. The study concluded that job prospects remain limited despite increasing access for women in STEM [20]. Additionally, another systematic review of women's engagement experiences in STEM fields revealed that these experiences in engineering are influenced by personal characteristics such as self-efficacy, motivation, and passion, as well as the practices of male colleagues, parents, and human resources [21].…”