When women are educated, they are more inclined to be politically active and be vocal about certain social and economic issues.
Women in the Middle East have higher iliteracy rates compared to the rest of the world. When women are deprived of education it affects them and the countries they live in tend to be less economically developed. The power of patriarchy in the Middle East trivialises women and denies them of their fundamental human rights. In comparison to the global average, women’s lack of education in the Middle East is a major, consequential concern. While women’s education in the Middle East has undergone major reforms, there are still much to be done.
In addition, even though women have proved to outperform men they are still likely to be denied education due to poverty. Poverty plays a crucial role in the lack of women’s education. The nation suffers from poverty because its population has a high iliteracy rate and many are illiterate because they are unable to pay for school.
A series of detrimental issues in the Middle East would be resolved if women receive education: child mortality rates, fertility and population growth rates would slide. When women are educated, they are more inclined to be politically active and be vocal about certain social and economic issues. However, school curricula within the region are designed in a way such that it initially educate girls to become good mothers, nurses or teachers and nothing more. Women are also the ones representing the honor of families, therefore, the western frame of mind are often viewed negatively.
Therefore, the challenge must be rectified both internally and externally. Providing proper female education will bring about advances in developing Middle Eastern countries. Gender discrimination must be eliminated in primary and secondary schools, with both genders receiving the same education.
Women need to have greater access to education and should be urged to explore beyond limits. The challenge should be acknowledged from within so that people are more likely to respond at an international level; thereby attracting the attention of developed economies. On the other hand, western countries can help the Middle East by furnishing girls with financial aid and scholarships needed to receive proper education.
Editor’s Opinion:
Universities should aim to work with relevant stakeholders to elevate the level of education of women in the Middle East region. This not only helps empowers women but also contributes to the advancement of university excellence. By providing women with proper education, Middle East countries can both increase the quantity of their workforce and allow women to have the opportunities to make positive contributions that can potentially help advance the excellence of universities.
Disclaimer: The above opinion expressed is that of the editor and not necessarily that of QS Asia.
Source: Women’s
Join us in the upcoming QS-MAPLE 2018 from 4-6 March 2018 in Bahrain as we discuss on the Advancement of University Excellence in All its Forms.