Women hold the key to tech innovation in the Arab world
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International Women's Day is as good a time as any to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead in achieving gender equality across all sectors. One area where encouraging strides have been made, although more are required, is the participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, particularly in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and advanced technologies.
All over the world, including the Arab region, the demand for skilled professionals in AI, machine learning and data science is booming. Names like Fei-Fei Li, Timnit Gebru, Rana El-Kaliouby, Margaret Mitchell, Aishwarya Srinivasan, Daphne Koller and Chip Huyen bear testimony to the increasing contribution of female scientists and entrepreneurs. With civilization standing on the cusp of an industrial revolution driven by advanced technologies, it is vital for the momentum to not merely be maintained but accelerated.
The inclusion of women in STEM fields, particularly in emerging technologies, is not a matter of equality for the sake of it, it is a necessity for innovation and economic growth. Research shows that teams that allow women's voices and ideas to be heard benefit from more varied perspectives, leading to faster problem-solving and more innovative solutions. In the realm of AI and machine learning, where algorithms can perpetuate biases and prejudices, the involvement of women is crucial to ensure that these technologies are developed with a broad and mature worldview.
The field of AI presents plentiful opportunities for women in the Arab world. The global AI market is expected by some research firms to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 36 to 38 percent. This explosive growth has resulted in a spike in demand for skilled professionals, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity for women to prove themselves as leaders in this transformative field.
The inclusion of women in STEM fields is not a matter of equality but a necessity for innovation and economic growth.
Arnab Neil Sengupta
Although the journey is far from complete, the Arab world has experienced a quiet transformation in recent years, with women increasingly pursuing STEM education and careers. Across the Gulf Cooperation Council bloc, new benchmarks are being set for gender parity in science and technology. Educational institutions across the Arab world are taking steps to attract and retain female talent in STEM fields.
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 places a growing emphasis on encouraging women to pursue STEM programs. The reform strategy has created numerous scholarship opportunities and training programs aimed at narrowing the gender gap in these fields. The results so far are promising. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has a female student body population of 39 percent in STEM programs, surpassing the global average.
At KAUST, 47 percent of graduates in their AI academy program are women. Additionally, KAUST's entrepreneurship programs have trained more than 24,000 people, with an average female participation rate of 51 percent. Its MENA-based startup accelerator program, Taqadam, has a female founder rate of 49 percent, which is 'well above the global average.'
In the UAE, 'the share of STEM enrolments from women … rose from 33 percent in 2018-19 to 41 percent in 2019-20,' according to Coursera's Global Skills Report. The fact that women make up 41 percent of UAE government university graduates in STEM is a compelling testament to the region's commitment to encouraging female talent in these critical fields.
Despite the advancements in some Arab states, challenges persist in the rest of the Arab region. Cultural stereotypes, a lack of visible role models and systemic barriers still deter many young women from pursuing careers in STEM. Addressing these drawbacks requires a multipronged approach involving education, policy and private sector initiatives.
Although the journey is far from complete, the Arab world has experienced a quiet transformation in recent years.
Arnab Neil Sengupta
To fully realize the potential of women in STEM and AI, efforts are needed at all levels of society. Action is required in five key areas. First is education reform, such as integrating AI and advanced technologies into school curricula from an early age. Secondly, mentorship programs can establish networks connecting experienced female STEM professionals with young aspirants. Third is the introduction of industry partnerships promoting collaboration between educational institutions and tech companies and providing internships and job opportunities. Fourth is the implementation of policy initiatives that support work-life balance and career progress. Finally, public awareness can be increased through the launch of campaigns that challenge stereotypes and showcase the achievements of women in STEM, particularly in AI and advanced technologies.
The Arab world's private sector has a crucial role to play too. Companies have a responsibility to create work environments that support women's career advancement in STEM fields. This includes implementing flexible work policies, mentorship programs and transparent pathways for promotion to leadership roles.
To sum up, the journey toward gender parity in STEM and AI is not just about numbers. It is about unlocking the full potential of half the world's population. By empowering women in STEM, nations are advancing gender equality at a minimum. On the macro level, they are encouraging innovation, spurring economic growth and shaping a future in which science and technology serves all humankind.
The Arab world is well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities being created by the technological revolution. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing heavily in AI research and development, creating new ecosystems ideal for innovation. By encouraging more women to specialize in AI and related fields, these two countries can tap into a large pool of Arab talent to drive future economic growth and technological advancement.
The Gulf states are leading by example, showing the Arab world — and indeed the global community — how investing in women's education and careers in STEM can transform societies and economies. Guided by the strategic foresight and bold initiatives of GCC leadership, the future of AI and advanced technologies in the Arab world is bright. There is no reason why Arab women cannot be equal participants in this transformative journey.
* Arnab Neil Sengupta is a senior editor at Arab News. X: @arnabnsg
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