The United Arab Emirates (UAE) made headlines in February by becoming the first ever Arab nation to enter the Mars orbit. This historic mission was led by Sarah Al Amiri, the first female Minister of State for Advanced Technologies. The UAE Mars Hope Probe Mission signifies the dawn of a new era for female participation in the Arab world, particularly as Al Amiri has recently been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Emerging Leaders for 2021.

However, it is important to highlight that even reaching this point has come with significant hurdles for Arab women. Middle Eastern countries often rank near the bottom of global comparisons when it comes to female equality and workforce participation. The World Bank has indicated that 12 of the 15 countries ranked worst for rates of female labor force participation include countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

A recent study titled Gender Inequality in the Arab World: A Comparative Perspective indicates that although gender inequality varies depending on the economic activity and development of the different Arab countries, the root causes are uniform. Traditional patriarchal practices, high levels of corruption, and lack of educational and employment support for young women have proven to be major societal obstacles inhibiting gender equality in the Arab world. Such factors have become so deeply embroiled in culture, society, economy, and politics that progress can only be expected to unfold gradually. While these factors have created a systemic barrier for women to progress in earlier years, the question remains: are times really changing?

There is some reason for optimism. According to the World Economic Forum, ten out of 19 Arab countries have increased their overall gender equality scores between 2017 and 2018. In particular, the Arab Gulf states have made tremendous strides in female participation and inclusion, with the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait topping the list. It is clear that a new generation of Arab female leaders are emerging and cementing their role in society. For instance, in Bahrain, women currently constitute one-third of Bahraini foreign ministry personnel. Even the ultra-conservative Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently appointed their first female ambassador, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud.

 Arab women are also making their impact felt in the private sector. In the start-up world, one in three new companies in the Middle East are now led or founded by women. According to the World Bank, the increase in female participation has led female-owned businesses to hire more women than male-owned businesses. That being said, women still face countless obstacles in the private sector, especially given the fact that female-led start-ups generate 23 per cent less revenue (on average) than male-run firms, according to the OECD.

But are these efforts truly sufficient? If the major decision-makers in Arab countries are still men, will appointing a handful of women make a notable difference? Or is this simply a political move made by Arab governments to support the claim that they are, at the very least, attempting to engage with systemic change by appointing female leaders?

The case of Loujain Al Hathloul illustrates that Arab states still have more work to do. Al Hathloul spent 1,001 days in a Saudi prison for voicing her opinions on the female driving movement in Saudi Arabia. This movement advocated for women to have the right to drive in the Kingdom, which was eventually granted in 2018, following years of international criticism. Such changes indicate that there is progress unfolding. However, these changes also seem to come with consequences for supporters brave enough to express their own views or step outside the societal boundaries of what is considered acceptable. So, are these efforts by the governments simply a result of international pressure over a lack of inclusion? Regardless, credit should be given where it is due and we must acknowledge the gradual path to progress.

One thing is clear. The gender equality discourse is evolving and positive changes are advancing gradually in the Middle East. In a region with such a deeply entrenched patriarchal structure, gender equality will not be realized overnight but advocates remain highly optimistic. As Elissa Freiha, co-founder of the Dubai-based investing service Womena explains, “If given the right platform, women can become the business owners and leaders for the future of the region.” So perhaps giving one woman the platform to put a probe on Mars will inspire future female Arab leaders and begin to bring an end to gender inequality in the Middle East.