As a female business leader in the UAE, I know first-hand how important it is to empower women and ensure they are encouraged to achieve their dreams. For decades, our nation has been committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women, both of which are reflected throughout Emirati society in multiple ways.

From initiatives like She WINS Arabia and She’s Next to bodies such as the Gender Balance Council, public and private-sector leaders in the UAE have already taken a series of forward-thinking steps to enable women to realise their full potential. Consequently, women in the Emirates are among the most empowered anywhere on the planet.

The question is, what measures should we be taking at a fundamental level to ensure momentum is maintained and progress continues? What can our schools do to empower girls and young women to achieve their goals?

Challenge stereotypes

When it comes to counteracting gender bias, society has come a long way. Today, the idea that some careers are for men and others for women seems antiquated.

Not only can schools capitalise on this progress by educating our young people – both girls and boys – on why such stereotypes are harmful, but they can also play an active role in challenging them when they arise. By promoting awareness around topics such as unconscious bias and the value that diversity adds to our society from a young age, we can help to ensure future generations are able to pursue their dreams regardless of their gender.

As a result, our young women will grow up with the knowledge that they can achieve whatever their heart desires without fear of being mocked or held back. As a mother of two young girls, this is something very close to my heart.

Encouraging participation

Working to eliminate bias is one thing, but schools also have an opportunity to be proactive in their approach to inclusion. We need educators to create environments in which girls are encouraged to take part in all activities, especially those that relate to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), business and entrepreneurship.

Actively promoting subjects and initiatives that may previously have been ‘off limits’ to young women is a great way to ensure they are provided with opportunities to discover new interests that have the potential to become lifelong passions.

At the same time, we should take care not to overcorrect and discourage young women from pursuing careers in areas that, traditionally, have been viewed as ‘women’s jobs’. Empowerment is about the freedom to choose without fear of bias or prejudice.

Developing skills

We often think of schools as places where our children learn their ABCs and 123s – fundamentals which are, of course, vitally important. However, educators also have an important role to play in helping their pupils develop the other skills necessary for long-term success, and this knowledge needs to be imparted regardless of the young person’s gender or background.

Providing all children with the same opportunities to develop life skills represents a key component in ensuring both men and women understand and recognise the importance of gender equality. Specially designed training programmes, for instance, can be used to enable young women to develop their innate talents and acquire new business-related skills, such as negotiation, leadership and entrepreneurship.

It’s equally important not to view empowerment as the sole responsibility of schools. We, as parents, are duty-bound to support educators in this process, reinforcing the lessons they learn in the classroom in our children’s home lives.

Fortunately, the UAE is ahead of the curve when it comes to women’s empowerment, but we must not take our foot off the accelerator. Our education system is an immensely powerful tool when it comes to maintaining and strengthening gender equality, which is why we must continue to invest in related activities.

Ultimately, an appreciation for equality is essential for a fair and just society, and we internalise these values from a young age. The Emirates is home to some of the best educators on the planet – the vast majority of whom are acutely aware of the part they have to play in facilitating women’s empowerment. If we continue to encourage both girls and boys to challenge gender stereotypes, step out of their comfort zones and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives, they too will be equipped to build a better world for future generations.