Introduction
To begin with, it is necessary to emphasize that the job opportunities for women in the countries of Arab world are regarded to be essentially decreased in comparison with the opportunities for men. This inequality is generally explained by the fact that men have more opportunities to get the higher education (family traditions and social customs), consequently, they have more opportunities to find a job.
Social Issues of Employment
The fact is that, all the circumstances and obstacles, which create the barriers for the employment of women are mainly linked with the social issues. It should be stated that social traditions in the countries of the Arab world are closely linked with the religious background the authority of the church and other religious bodies, which are closely incorporated with the governmental structures, and regulate the social relations within the Arab society. Thus, most women complain that they do not have an opportunity to enter a university, as they often face discrimination and segregation on the basis of their sex. In spite of the fact, that UAE is aiming to refuse from the social discrimination, and put away all the religious prejudices which presuppose the treatment of women as socially lower people, Arab women have more opportunities to get an education abroad.
After the graduation of the university, the opportunities are almost equal, nevertheless, there are comparatively more job offers for educated men then for women. The job offers are categorized into the following categories:
- Accounting
- Administrative
- Architecture/Design
- Automotive
- Beauty/Fashion
- Broadcast/Publishing
- Consulting
- Creative Arts/Media
- Customer Service
- Education/Training
- Engineering
- Finance/Banking
- Government/Social
- Health Care Services
- Hospitality/Travel
- HR/Recruiting
- Info Technology
- Marketing/PR
- Real Estate
- Telecommunication
Some of these categories are considered to be exclusively male positions, while there are no only women positions. The origins of such division are also covered in the social cultural and religious traditions of the Orient. Thus, it is impermissible that women ruled men, moreover, the main purpose of every women is to keep the family, bear and rise children. In the light of this fact, it should be stated that all the inequalities are the reasons of serious and deep rooted prejudice.
Particular group research, which is required for the thorough analysis of the issue is based on the interview of employees in several companies, located in Abu-Dhabi. It is necessary to emphasize, that all the women, which are employed in the mixed collectives, claim that they are often subjected to prejudice, especially during the first periods of employment, nevertheless, later, when men persuade in their professionalism, the attitude changes. Thus, it is necessary to emphasize that everything depends on the personal and professional features of every worker. The natural workability, persistence and self-discipline help Arab women achieve success in any professional sphere.
Taking into consideration those women who are unemployed, it should be stated that the most common reason of their unemployment is either lack of demand for their professions or family obstacles, when fathers or husbands do not allow them to work, considering it the men’s mission.
As for the real opportunities, offered at the employment exchange, there is strong necessity to emphasize that all the opportunities, which are represented are open for both men and women. Officially, any discrimination is forbidden in the sphere of employment, however, the real situation may be quite opposite. Nevertheless, taking into consideration the example of those women who are successfully employed, it is necessary to emphasize that the opportunities are equal for everyone, nevertheless, the obstacles and barriers prevent women from easy employment. However, in the circumstances of the liberalization wave, successful employment in UAE is the matter of strong wish and persistence.
Conclusion
Finally, there is strong necessity to mention, that the opportunities of employment for women in UAE depend on numerous factors. Some of them are objective, while the others are totally subjective, and based on the outdated representations on the matters of social structure. Surely, on the one hand, it is hard for women to overcome the allover prejudice, directed against them. On the other hand, it does not matter for an employer of which sex a professional is. If a women is an expert in the selected sphere, it will not be difficult for her to gain trust and respect among male colleagues.
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