Gulf Nations urged to empower women employment
Gulf nations are in need of a new legislation that encourages women to accept jobs and put an end to discrimination against them, said Dr Fatima Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of Al Ain-based UAE University, when speaking about the participation by women in the GCC labour market.
Dr Fatima pointed out that the participation of women in the labour market has remained low, despite progress during the past years. The “bias and discrimination” against female workers, and the high presence of foreign labour and other social factors could be the main reason for this, she said.
When speaking during a HR Conference in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Fatima said that there is an urgent need for the GCC to enact laws and legislations to prevent this discrimination against women in the labour market.
“We see a bias between men and women in jobs, particularly, when it comes to promotion, meant for a decision-making position. Another reason is the high concentration of foreign employees in private sectors. The GCC States should step up the policy of replacement of this labour,” Dr. Fatima said.
Going by the figures, although there is a big jump in the female participation in jobs in GCC States, since the early 1960s, she added that the percentage has remained too low at 15 to 24 percent, in comparison to other countries.
Female workers in the GCC mainly focus on only a few sectors, particularly in the trade and services. Majority of these females are employed in the public sector. Also their income levels are far lower than their male counterparts. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, the female employees draw an income that is 16% lower than the male employees, one of the lowest in the GCC, Dr. Fatima pointed out.
“Enacting legislations is the only solution to resolve this issue. Women should be provided with more training, and families should encourage their women to work and there should be a change in the attitude that women’s work is not a necessity,” she concluded.
Posted on 6/2/2009