Introduction
Innovation, the basic keystone of any economy, is the one needed most for any development cycle. This cycle of development, fueled on the innovation, requires innovators who can convert their knowledge into creativity using their passion. In this era of global industrialization, the economy is becoming transparent day by day. Increasing competition between the nations has elevated the prerequisite of innovation. In order to win this global race, every nation needs innovation to some extent. There are many variables that laid the foundation of innovation but the most important of them is the knowledge and skill of science and technology (Moonesar, Saher, & Mourtada, 2015). At the same time, the depletion in fossil fuel reserves has sparkled the search of alternative sources of energy. Countries and nation, like UAE, whose economy is totally dependent upon the production and exploration of oil, have to increase the human resource. The United Arab Emirates have taken special measures to build a workforce strong enough to face the modern challenges of the world. In order to make them capable, special attention is given to the education related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). These initiatives have raised the overall literacy rate of UAE to highest in the Middle East, bringing it up to 95% (“Education in the UAE”, 2018).
Changes in Education Sector
Education is the most important foundation in terms of fighting poverty and to fill the difference gap between society. Education not only contributes to the GDP growth of the country but also help in increasing the human capital value, social productivity and increasing productive labor force. Remarkable changes have been so far made in the education sector throughout the Middle East. A lot of evidence regarding the change especially in the last three to four decades can be easily observable. For example, the literacy rate of the United Arab Emirates in 1995 was 79.2%, while in 2015 it increased up to 93.8% (“United Arab Emirates – Literacy – Historical Data Graphs per Year”, 2018).
Another example that indicated the change in the education system is the number of education institutes especially the universities. In 1940, there were only 10 of them (Romani, 2009) while in 2013 the number exceeded to 470. The need for higher and basic education, due to the increase in the overall population, resulted in the prominent attention to the education sector. To meet the requirements a large number of educational institutes, both in public and private sectors, have been established. Different strategies and plans have also been developed and adopted in order to contribute to the cause.
Current Issue related to the STEM Advancement
Despite being higher enrollment rate in STEM subject, especially in terms of female learners, that has been increased up to 77% in Computer Science and 45% in Engineering, the post-education problem related to career opportunities is one of the key challenges that is being faced after the STEM advancements in the United Arab Emirate. The STEM faced a challenge of career arises due to the dishonor and disgrace faced by the masculine cultural background of the country. The general concept in the society about the role of females is familial. Females responsibilities are generally thought to be related to household and child raising. This cultural norm is resulting in a drop rate of up to 50% in female after university. The main reason behind this issue is due to the gender biasness that women face in workplaces especially related to science and technology. On the other hand, the finance and banking sectors are hiring more women (Kaul, 2016).
Recommendations and Solutions
In order to resolve the challenging issue of the decreasing number of jobs for women, although they are showing increasing interest in STEM needs multiple considerations and recommendations. However, two of them are the most important and crucial. The first one is to change the mindset, while the second one is to develop a role model for women from amongst them. The primary issue that is in the need for change, is the mindset of the masculine society. A strong synergy between the cultural system and education is required to be developed (Kamel, 2014). Awareness campaigns and equal paying rates for female workers can break through the wall. The increasing inspirational stories about women in the Arab world have grown, despite being a dearth of women role models. In order to properly encourage the women presence in STEM careers, it is necessary to highlights these stories and present them as a role model to the young girls in schools and colleges.
Conclusion
STEM is one of the crucial steps taken by the Middle Eastern countries. New policies regarding education seem to be working effectively. A large number of male and female learners are now enrolling in STEM. Despite being a success, there are still some issues related to STEM. One of them is low female representation in STEM workplaces. The main reason behind this matter is the cultural norms of the country that take females as house takers. In order to counter this problem, the belief should be ended.
References
Education in the UAE. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.uae-embassy.org/about-uae/education-uae
Kamel, S. (2014). Education in the Middle East: Challenges and Opportunities. Business And Education In The Middle East, 99-130.
Kaul, M. (2016). How Stem career choices set the UAE’s women apart. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/education/how-stem-career-choices-set-the-uaes-women-apart-1.1661603
Moonesar, I., Saher, S., & Mourtada, R. (2015). Persistence in the Abu Dhabi STEM Pipeline: Preparing Emirati Youth for Careers in the UAE Innovation Economy.
Romani, V. (2009), The politics of higher education in the Middle East: problems and prospects. Middle East Brief no. 36, Crown Center for Middle East Studies, Brandeis University.
United Arab Emirates – Literacy – Historical Data Graphs per Year. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.indexmundi.com/g/g.aspx?c=tc&v=39
