Arab Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fields: The Way Forward

Abstract

In most countries of the world, 40 to 50 % of students are women. However, there is greater sex imbalance in STEM
fields. Indicators show that tertiary education in Arab region is high compared with gender balance in several
countries; there is even imbalance in favor of women as in Saudi Arabia & Gulf States.
UNESCO and World Bank statistics reveal that Arab women actively pursuing STEM fields e.g. in 2014, women
comprises 59% of total students enrolled in computer Science in Saudi Arabia while UK and USA women enrolment
were 16% and 14% respectively.
Graduate women attempt to pursue career or postgraduate degrees are often excluded on bases of their gender and
marginalized therefore much less apt to enter and remain in the job, few achieve leadership positions.
In principle, there are equal opportunities for both genders in many Arab States, but social perception and prejudice
determine which types of employment are particularly suitable for women or men. Removing the barriers would
foster major social and economic benefits for every Arab State.