Globally, women remain underrepresented in STEM roles, comprising just 28.2 per cent of the workforce in these fields. Despite their strong presence in education, they still face barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Fields such as engineering, finance, and sports have been male-dominated, but women, especially in the MENA region, are increasingly being recognised and motivated by a wide range of government and private sector initiatives, resulting in rising representation. Despite challenges including work-life balance pressures, women in STEM are driving meaningful change. They are making clear and fair decisions, projecting confidence, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard. We are witnessing a seismic shift in the MENA region as women leaders are emerging, breaking barriers and redefining the industry.
The energy sector is one of those industries where a growing number of women are leading and making a significant impact. From wastewater treatment to pioneering sustainable, net-zero solutions, female engineers are making substantial strides, often overcoming challenges that have historically kept them out of the field.
The female edge
Women bring a unique perspective to engineering by leading with empathy. Their approach to problem-solving prioritises inclusivity and creativity, which can lead to more innovative solutions. In leadership roles, women often emphasise teamwork, support, and work-life balance, which can boost morale and productivity.
This diversity of thought and approach helps drive positive change and growth in the sector. Outdated gender stereotypes are something that no longer hold women back; instead, they drive them to initiate the change.
Women in STEM foster better solutions by highlighting that these fields thrive on creativity and innovation, not just technical skills. By challenging these outdated stereotypes, women are proving they can excel and are essential to the industry’s evolution.
Making a change
While progress is still ongoing, there’s been a noticeable shift towards greater diversity in countries like UAE, with more opportunities for women to lead and innovate. It’s encouraging to see increasing support for women in the field, from mentorship programs to more inclusive hiring practices.
To drive change, companies are creating accessible pathways and support networks through mentorship, female role models, and providing early hands-on experiences. For example at Veolia, we have been committed for several years to developing gender diversity in its business lines and increasing the number of women in governance and management bodies.
From empowering our own people to inspiring young girls and women around the world, we have over 35,000 female employees to access the same careers and obtain the same recognition as men.
Why diversity matters
Over the course of my career, I have navigated various challenges, but they have also shaped my growth. Now, fostering gender diversity is at the core of my leadership, where I encourage open communication, valuing diverse perspectives, and promoting teamwork. I ensure that everyone feels heard, regardless of their background, and actively support the professional development for all team members. By leading with respect and fairness, I create a culture where people feel empowered to contribute their best. This way we are leading the change to a more gender diverse future.
In the future, I aspire to see the next generation of women engineers breaking through even more barriers, with equal opportunities and support at every stage of their careers. We should feel empowered to lead, innovate, and inspire others without being held back by gender stereotypes.
UAE leads the way
The UAE is pioneering efforts to narrow the gender gap, recognising that diversity drives innovation and strengthens decision-making. By increasing the number of women technical and leadership roles, it fosters a more inclusive culture and drives competitiveness and success.
As part of these efforts, women in the UAE make up about 56 per cent of STEM graduates and 44.5 per cent of engineering undergraduates, which is one of the highest rates worldwide. Here, female engineers are not just entering the field but leading the charge in transforming it.
If I could change one thing in the industry, I would ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has access to mentorship, training, and leadership roles. By fostering career progression and motivating the younger generation to step into the STEM field, we can show them the progress and the ladder they can climb to success without limitations.
As the industry evolves, a commitment to gender equality will be crucial for driving innovation and long-term success. International Women’s Day honours the contributions of women, reflects on our progress, and recommits to breaking down barriers for future generations. It inspires solidarity and reminds us that every step forward matters.
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