The tide of gender disparity is changing at the workplace, as government bodies across the region are employing strategies and programs to increase the participation of women in the economic sector.
The real estate, property development, community management, and facility management sector in addition to the architecture and construction industry is edging out from its tag of being a ‘male-dominated industry, into the light of inclusivity.
Historically, women have been underrepresented in most career sectors across the Middle East, as a result of a host of factors from societal and cultural to legal and political. However, the tide seems to be changing, as government bodies across the region are employing strategies and programs to increase the participation of women in the economic sector.
So, what sets apart the built environment sector from the rest? It’s the predominance of successful women both in the leadership and operations aspect of organizations. From helming companies, guiding initiatives to innovation and change, women have in recent times been at the forefront of the industry. While a large section of the industry associates female leadership with adaptability and increased social commitments, they often overlook the plethora of insight they bring to the table across various discussions. They bring with them a passion and determination to excel despite all odds and inspire all those around them.
With a literacy rate of over 95% for women and a higher number of women completing their tertiary education, the region is developing a strong workforce of enterprising young women. Women business owners account for over 10% of the private sector in the UAE and Emirati women make up 15% of board positions in industries worldwide. As of 2020, the UAE has closed the overall gender gap by over 65.5% in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report.
However, the looming COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting lockdowns and stay-at-home orders seem to be putting a hindrance in this path. A recent study, conducted by management consulting firm McKinsey, shows that the pandemic has resulted in almost a quarter of the women interviewed considering scaling back their professional careers. This is a reflection of the increased workloads within households primarily falling towards female shoulders. Most industries do not have work hours tailored to the needs of a family and the disproportionate division of responsibility results in an overwhelming workload for a woman who handles both her career and home simultaneously.
Outside of this situation, companies and corporate work cultures are constantly promoting the establishment of an inclusive workplace that emphasizes gender equality. One such initiative is the Gender Equality Index and Fair Share initiative by Bloomberg that tracks the financial advancement of companies that are dedicated to the cause of gender equality.
Once the common misconception that the industry is a ‘man’s world’ has been deconstructed, it opens up avenues for multitudes of talented individuals working in the varied fields within the built environment and its allied sectors. With a host of opportunities available to explore, innovate and deliver, the sky's the limit for those enterprising enough to set their foot onto the ladder of leadership.
