Promoting women in STEM: a systematic review of contribution of higher education institutions in the UAE in bridging the STEM gender gap

A study published by the UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC) and Times Higher Education (THE) establishes the importance of the valuable role universities play globally in reducing overall gender inequalities [10]. Reviewing the literature on Women in STEM in the UAE, it is found that there is a dearth of research that exclusively focuses on the role of Higher Education Institutions in the UAE in promoting this social cause. Also, as deduced through a systematic review conducted on STEM research in the GCC, there is an absence of research that examines factors that encourage student participation in STEM-related fields of study and careers [11]. Hence this research aims to survey the current state of the contribution of higher education institutions in the UAE to promote and spread awareness about Women in STEM. Emerging from this aim, the research objectives of this research are:
• To conduct a thorough review of published literature on Women in STEM in the UAE to cognize the barriers and possibilities for students and graduates in the field
• To review news and media articles of universities in the UAE to understand and analyze the various initiatives taken by the institutions and their possible impact
• To present recommendations on how higher education institutions can synergize these efforts and make the UAE a model nation in the advancement of Women in STEM.