Women in UAE rise above gender bias

Dubai: More than a century after women garment workers in the US protested for humane working conditions and better wages on March 8, 1857, the date now celebrated as International Women’s Day, gender equality is still a far cry in largely patriarchal societies.

Despite the world having witnessed major changes in gender roles in practically every sphere, equal opportunities for women are still a work in progress. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, Gulf News spoke to eight women on whether or not they feel gender discrimination still exists in society. While some said they still experience discrimination, Emirati women spoke proudly of the UAE’s leading role in the Middle East in championing the role of women in society.

Amal Al Agroobi, 27, film director at Al Agroobi Films; Emirati

“Any woman who allows herself to be discriminated, will be discriminated against. A successful woman should speak her mind and be independent, despite the many kinds of discrimination that might surround her at home, work or society. If you don’t get respect in the workplace or if you believe your value is being undermined, you should do something that can add to your personality and help you make a difference.

“I worked in a male-dominated hospital in the capital (in 2009). There was a man who was annoyed that I had secured my own office. So the next day he locked the office and kept the keys with him. Each time I asked for the keys, he refused.

“So I jumped in from the window, entered my office, got my laptop and started my work. I can’t say that discrimination was the big reason behind such [behaviour], but it was one of the reasons.”

Dr Hessa Al Ghazal, director of Motherhood and Childhood Centre in Sharjah; Emirati

“Discrimination against women weakens all of society. Fortunately for UAE society, women receive equal rights and legal protection afforded to men, even in the workplace.

“We are lucky to have a government and wise leadership that gives us all kinds of support, empowers us and promotes our roles [in society].

“We are really the happiest women in the world. Nowadays, women are given more attention than men in all fields of life. If we invest in women in the right way it will result in having more creative women and she could produce a talented generation.” 

Satvinder Sandhu, brand communications consultant; Singaporean of Indian origin

“Personally, I have not experienced discrimination as a woman in the UAE. Opportunities in the workplace have been fair (as a woman) and I get preferential treatment in queues at government offices (with the ladies only sections). The UAE being a Muslim country, there is an advantage for women in that when a woman appears conservatively dressed, she is given respect. Being a non-Muslim and an international citizen myself, that works well for me.

“One can always dig deeper into the topic of discrimination against women in the UAE and there are plenty of stories we hear. I think it boils down to seeing things in the context of where we live and how we need to adapt and integrate. Cultural sensitivities as a topic should not be undermined.”

Casey Patrick (name changed), event management specialist; British

“I have lived in Dubai for nearly a year now, but I do notice that women seem to still be struggling with equality. Women in high-powered jobs are far fewer here compared to London and I get the feeling there is still a sense of women being expected to be the stay-at-home parent.

“I come into contact with many industries on a daily basis and there are few women at the very top, and I find this frustrating. In the workplace, the majority of men are respectful, but I do find myself having to be more domineering here than in the UK just to get my voice heard or something signed off in time. My male colleagues don’t seem to struggle in the same way.

“The fact that in the expat population, men vastly outnumber women is a sign that not enough women are coming here for work or otherwise and it’s something I feel needs to be addressed. Being a woman in the UAE definitely has its challenges, particularly as a single female.

Majda Abdullah Bu Shileila, administrative coordinator at Al Qasimi Hospital; Emirati

“The UAE has always come globally first in government efficiency, and in bridging cultures, and was also ranked as the highest ranking Arab nation in the happiness and satisfaction of its people in general and women in particular.

“Our wise leadership is working hard to reduce the gender gap in all fields of life. We are proud of the achievements of Emirati women, which came as a result of the support we have received from the government. This reflects the keenness of our wise leadership to empower women and promote their effective role in our nation’s continued development and progress.

“I believe a country can only make advancements through the active participation of both women and men.”

Lucy Chuang, managing director of Global Sino Consultancy; Chinese

“The situation in the workplace now is better for women, but I can still feel there is a difference in the male to female ratio. I have lived in China, Sweden, Holland, UK, US, Canada and now in the UAE, and in most of these countries, men still dominate the senior management of the corporate world. You see the opposite in the service sector.

“Women give birth and are socially expected to take care of the children and housework. That saps our energy and consumes time. So if we seek equal opportunities in the workplace, then there should also be equality in the home. If both the husband and the wife work to earn a living, then housework and child rearing should be equally divided between them as well.”

Dinah Dacasin, administration officer; Filipina

“In my 10 years here in Dubai, I have not experienced being discriminated against because of my gender. This society has a high regard for women. In the workplace, women are allowed to compete equally with men.

“But of course there are exceptions when the nature of work specifically needs men, like in more physically demanding jobs. Although we can say we can do what men can do, there still is a difference. But I appreciate the fact that women are given more priority here. There are specific queues and spaces set aside for them so they are protected.”

Khawla Ali, 26, engineer at the Emirates National Oil Company; Emirati

“I am proud and happy with what Emirati women have achieved so far. I have experienced no discrimination in my workplace. The country has qualified both men and women with equal opportunities to be future leaders. I have worked in offices full of men. Men and women are different, and they typically respond differently to given situations. However, this helped us to better work together and achieve better outcomes.”