Women are increasingly outperforming men in tertiary education and claim more than half of college level degrees in growth markets such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and the Middle East, an leading economist said.

Sylvia Ann Hewlett, economist and founding president of the Center for Work-Life Policy (CWLP), was giving a lecture on “Hidden Treasure: Female Talent in Emerging Markets,” hosted by the Dubai School of Government, a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the Arab world.

Senior government officials, experts, students and other professionals attended the event, organized in collaboration with the Dubai School of Government’s Gender and Public Policy Research Program and the Dubai Women’s Establishment (DWE).

Hewlett said: “Women love their work, as it provides meaning, and often offers an identity to their lives. They are not only motivated by financial returns, but also by positive work environment and other internal factors that enable them to grow both personally and professionally. Corporations can leverage the growing female professional workforce by creating a supportive and engaging environment.

“The BRIC nations and the UAE have recognised the increasing trend of female professionals entering into and leading the workforce. These trends have been welcomed by numerous leaders, and have driven the implementation of policies that enhance equality, productivity and sustainability in the workforce. However, despite transcending old perceptions and breaking the glass ceiling, women still have a long way to go in terms of achieving full equality.”

Dr Tarik Yousef, dean of the Dubai School of Government, said: “To chart a sustainable and equitable direction for the future, it is absolutely essential for us to understand what contributes to a productive, engaged and satisfied workforce.” 

Hewlett chairs the “Hidden Brain Drain,” a task force of 50 global companies and organizations committed to fully realising female and multicultural talent at the Center for Work-Life Policy (CWLP). – TradeArabia News Service