‘Gender pay gap could close 100 years earlier than predicted’
abu dhabi — Female UAE undergraduates are more likely to aspire to be in senior leadership positions compared to their male classmates, according to a new report.
The study by Accenture, a global professional services company, found that university women in the UAE are more likely than their male classmates to aspire to senior leadership positions — 67 per cent versus 62 per cent, respectively; almost as likely to have a mentor — 69 per cent compared to 70 per cent; or choose an area of study that they believe offers high earning potential — 42 per cent versus 37 per cent.
In terms of being digitally fluent and tech immersed, men and women in the UAE are tied, with the study finding that 56 per cent of men and women are continuously learning new digital skills.
The survey conducted in 2016 to look at the gender balance revealed that women can reach equal pay 100 years earlier than expected. In the past decades, findings from studies looking at gender pay equality have not been encouraging as based on trends, women were unlikely to achieve pay equality until 2080 in developed markets, and 2168 in developing markets.
The new study by Accenture, however, says the close in pay gap in developed markets could come
A key example of this empowerment is how the (UAE) government encourages women to pursue STEM studies, and then supports them through scholarships and internships.” Omar Boulos, regional managing director of Accenture
in 2044 — 36 years earlier than previously estimated; and in developing markets, female university undergraduates could see the close in 2066 — more than 100 years earlier.
Accenture surveyed more than 28,000 women and men, including undergraduates, in 29 countries. The sample included equal representation of men and women, representing three generations (millennials, gen X and baby boomers) across all workforce levels at companies of varying size.
Omar Boulos, regional managing director of Accenture in the Middle East and North Africa, said the catalyst behind this “substantive progress” looks at three factors with two on the onus of women.
“Women must make key adjustments in which skill-set they acquire, and they must have ambitious career aspirations, while the third factor looks to government, business and academia to provide critical support to women,” said Boulos.
UAE leads by example
When taking a closer look at the UAE, the ambitious mindset of women and the empowering nature of local government seem to have put the nation on track to achieving equal pay, according to Boulos. He said the UAE’s leadership put a particular focus on giving women the necessary tools to achieve success, with women’s empowerment as a key target in the UAE’s national strategy, aimed to be achieved by 2021.
“A key example of this empowerment is how the government encourages women to pursue STEM studies, and then supports them through scholarships and internships. With this in mind, the Class of 2020 stands to be a major beneficiary of these changes, if they can realise the opportunity before them — and seize it,” said Boulos.