As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's inspiring to observe how technology is transforming the professional landscape for women across the Middle East. From fostering inclusion to enabling entrepreneurship, technological advancements are dismantling barriers and creating unprecedented opportunities for growth and success.

Here's an in-depth look at how technology is empowering women and making a significant impact in the region:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising recruitment by promoting inclusion and reducing biases. AI-driven tools analyse candidates' skills and experiences objectively, minimising the influence of unconscious biases. However, it's crucial to ensure these systems are designed and monitored carefully, as studies have shown that 61% of AI recruitment tools trained on biased data can replicate discriminatory hiring patterns. (jobspikr.com)

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, offering unprecedented flexibility and work-life balance. For many women in the Middle East, this shift has been empowering, allowing them to manage professional responsibilities while fulfilling personal commitments. In Egypt, the rise of remote work technology has enabled women to contribute effectively, regardless of their location. The UAE’s commitment to digital transformation has further supported this revolution, making remote work a viable and sustainable option for many.

At e&, we foster a supportive culture for working parents, particularly women. We offer flexible hours, remote working days, parental leave, and additional remote work options for new mothers. This commitment reflects our belief in empowering women by providing the support they need to balance career and family life effectively.

As a working mother of two, I have personally experienced how this flexibility reflects trust and fosters a healthier work-life balance. It empowers women to be productive and engaged at work while fulfilling their responsibilities at home, proving that workplace policies can be both inclusive and performance-driven.

The power of inclusion is becoming even more evident with the paradigm shift around Mother's Day. Traditionally seen as a day to celebrate mothers at home, it is now recognised as an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of working mothers in the professional sphere. Companies are rethinking workplace policies to support women in balancing career aspirations with motherhood, ensuring that mothers are not forced to choose between the two. The increasing adoption of flexible work structures is not just a corporate benefit—it is a reflection of the broader societal shift towards gender equity in the workforce.

Education technology (EdTech) is bridging the skills gap and opening doors for women in tech-driven industries. Online courses, virtual workshops, and digital certifications are making it easier for women in the region to upskill and reskill. Notably, 57% of STEM graduates in the Arab world are women, with the UAE boasting an impressive 61%. (entrepreneur.com)

• United Arab Emirates: The UAE has been leading digital education efforts through initiatives such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation's e-learning programs, which provide targeted training, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities to help women develop digital skills in AI, coding, and business management. Additionally, the One Million Arab Coders initiative has helped thousands of women gain essential programming and data science skills, reinforcing the country’s commitment to increasing female participation in the digital economy.
• Saudi Arabia: The MiSK Foundation supports women’s advancement in technology and leadership through targeted STEM training and entrepreneurship programs, equipping them with skills to thrive in the digital workforce.
• Egypt: The Digital Egypt initiative is providing accessible opportunities for women to develop critical digital skills, ensuring they are equipped to take on high-demand roles in the technology industry.

Technology has democratised entrepreneurship, providing women with the tools they need to start and grow their own businesses. From e-commerce platforms to digital marketing tools, tech innovations are enabling women in the Middle East to reach global markets and manage operations efficiently.

• In 2010, only 20% of tech startups in the MENA region had female founders. Today, that number has grown to 34%, showcasing how digital tools and business incubators are levelling the playing field. (entrepreneur.com)
• Dubai's She Leads initiative and Saudi Arabia's business incubators specifically for women have spurred a new wave of female entrepreneurs.

The intersection of technology and health is enhancing women's well-being in the workplace. Wearable devices, mental health apps, and telemedicine services provide women with the resources they need to maintain their physical and mental health. These technological solutions are particularly beneficial in offering flexible and accessible healthcare options, contributing to improved work-life balance and overall productivity.

e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group) has been at the forefront of promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in the workplace. By committing to the UN Women's Empowerment Principles, e& has implemented a range of initiatives to support female talent, including mentorship programmes, leadership development workshops, and flexible work arrangements. e&'s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy aims to improve the representation of women at all levels within the organisation, contributing to a more inclusive and innovative workplace.

Technology is a powerful enabler for women in the workplace. By driving inclusion, offering flexibility, facilitating continuous learning, empowering entrepreneurship, and enhancing health and well-being, tech is paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all. As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's acknowledge and support the incredible impact that technology has in empowering women and shaping a better world, particularly across the Middle East.

As we look to the future, consider how emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and quantum computing could further revolutionise the workplace. How can we ensure that women are not only participants but leaders in this next wave of technological advancement? The answer lies in our collective commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women can thrive.