FINAL WORD
The UAE saw a significant advancement on the UNDP Gender Equality Index last year , ascending 23 positions to reach 26th place , once again leading among Arab nations .
Artificial Intelligence , AI , is rapidly shaping various sectors worldwide , revolutionising industries , and driving innovation . However , amidst its transformative potential , concerns arise regarding gender imbalance in AI usage and creation , potentially leading to exclusion . In the Middle East , where technological advancements are growing rapidly , it is crucial to address this issue proactively .
Despite progress , recent statistics indicate persistent disparities in AI domain , raising questions about the trajectory of inclusion in the region .
Across history , women in the region encountered significant challenges and inequalities across diverse sectors . Recent data indicates a persistent underrepresentation of women in AI-related sectors throughout the Middle East .
As per a survey report from 3M in 2022 , women in the UAE are still seen as an untapped resource in STEM professions , primarily because of insufficient support . Although UNESCO data indicates that 61 % of STEM graduates in the UAE are women , compared to 57 % in other Arab countries , there are concerns about their limited presence in senior positions .
Despite efforts to encourage girls ’ participation in STEM fields , societal norms , stereotypes , and cultural expectations often deter women from pursuing careers in technology . As a result , women have limited access to AI-related skills and opportunities , hindering their participation in this rapidly evolving field .
Deloitte ’ s publication , The State of Women in AI Today , underscores an ongoing disparity in gender and diversity within the AI sector . Enhancing diversity , particularly in decision-making and developer positions , helps to alleviate biases .
Investing in AI and IT industries has the potential to narrow the gender employment disparity significantly . If women ’ s employment rates were to align with those of men , it could yield an approximate $ 2 trillion increase in GDP . The effects on social stability could be equally profound . Bridging the gender divide extends beyond providing technical expertise ; it involves empowering women to shape the future , lead in emerging fields , and innovate within the global AI community .
Despite these challenges , there are encouraging signs of progress . According to LinkedIn statistics , female participation in AI roles in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates , UAE stood at 27 % each in 2022 . This represents a slight improvement from 24 % in Saudi Arabia and 25 % in the UAE in 2016 . Although the Middle East and North Africa , MENA region ranks lowest on the World Economic Forum ’ s Global Gender Gap Index Report 2023 , the UAE stands out as a leader among Arab nations .
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS 67