In today’s world, there is an increased focus on bridging the gap between academia and industry. With the rising importance of relevant skills and digital know-how, higher education has been tasked with the challenge of aligning its curricula with the requirements of today’s job market. In this pursuit, universities have been dedicating more attention to partnering with Industry in a bid to facilitate this connection. An area that is often overlooked in this respect is how gender-sensitive education planning can play a crucial role in bridging this gap.

In image above: Claire Roper-Browning, Regional Director of Marketing, Recruitment, Admissions, and Communications (MRAC) at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Universities can leverage gender-sensitive education planning to address gender gaps not only at the academic level but in Industry as well. A study by UNESCO in 2019 shows that despite findings that 57% of STEM graduates in the MENA region are women, World Bank figures suggest that educated women have the highest rates of unemployment in the region. In fact, some projects have already started paying attention to the importance of extending the focus beyond the scope of education. For example, the Global Engineer Girls program, a recently launched global project, focuses on empowering girls and young women to undertake degrees in STEM through career mentoring and campaigning against gender bias. Such projects are invaluable as they recognize that accessibility to education alone is not enough, as structural discrimination often impedes women’s career advancement despite being highly qualified.

As such, with attention dedicated to aligning academia and Industry, there is considerable potential for higher education to leverage gender planning to bridge this gap. Here are some ways to make this happen: 

• Collaborative Research Projects: Universities can initiate collaborative research projects involving faculty, students, and industry partners. By integrating gender perspectives into research topics, universities can contribute to addressing gender disparities in various industries. This can also help bring attention to women’s underrepresentation in research. A study by UNESCO in 2021 shows that female researchers tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers and they’re typically given fewer grants than their male colleagues. As such, these collaborations could help generate knowledge that is directly relevant to industry needs while also promoting gender equality.
• Internships and Work-Integrated Learning: Universities can establish partnerships with industry organizations to offer internships, cooperative education programs, and work placements for students. By incorporating gender-sensitive education planning into these programs, universities can ensure that students gain practical experience in workplaces that prioritize inclusivity and gender equality. This hands-on experience can enhance students' employability and their ability to navigate diverse work environments.
• Guest Lectures and Industry Speakers: Inviting professionals from various industries, including those with expertise in gender-related topics, to deliver guest lectures or participate in panel discussions can enrich students' learning experiences. Industry speakers can share their practical insights, experiences, and the challenges they face regarding gender equality in the workplace. This exposure helps students understand real-world applications of gender-sensitive education planning. For example, Heriot-Watt University Dubai recently hosted the Women in Data Science (WiDs) international conference. Aside from discussing the latest topics in data science and related career opportunities, female researchers were given a chance to present their research and discuss it with fellow academics.
• Industry Advisory Boards: Universities can form advisory boards comprising representatives from industry sectors. These boards can provide guidance and insights into industry trends, skills requirements, and emerging challenges. By including diverse voices, including those focused on gender issues, universities can better align their academic programs with industry needs and ensure that graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.

By incorporating gender-sensitive education planning into their collaboration efforts with industry, universities can not only bridge the gap but also contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces. This collaboration benefits both academia and industry by promoting knowledge exchange, addressing industry needs, and preparing graduates who are sensitive to gender issues and ready to contribute to diverse workplaces.