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In a powerful address at the 2nd Women in Tech Global Summit in Paris, Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi, President of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, emphasized the crucial need for increased female representation in technology policy-making. Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi, a member of the Emirati ruling family, highlighted the positive impact of women’s leadership and perspectives in shaping technology policies to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.Speaking before an international audience of over 400 delegates from diverse sectors, including business, government, civil society, and the arts, Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi called upon tech firms and governments to take proactive steps toward achieving greater gender balance in decision-making processes related to technology and innovation. Her passionate plea underscored the urgency of this issue, emphasizing that the status quo needed to change rapidly.
Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi asserted, “Things need to change and change fast. We need to take the reins.” She pointed out that even in today’s world, governmental decision-making, policy frameworks, and regulatory parameters are predominantly influenced by men, creating a pressing need for a concerted call to action.Highlighting the global underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles, she referred to data from UN Women, which underscores the severe gender gap persisting across various levels of decision-making and within the broader political landscape. Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi’s address resonated with attendees, inspiring them to recognize the importance of empowering women to play a more influential role in shaping the future of technology.Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi drew attention to the encouraging statistic that women account for 57 percent of STEM graduates in the Arab world, with the number rising to an impressive 61 percent in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This data serves as a testament to the untapped potential and talent of women in the STEM fields.
As a successful publishing entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist, Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi highlighted the significant role women play as creators of social fabric within societies. She emphasized that by empowering women and elevating their influence in decision-making, policymakers could craft policies that harness the full potential of emerging technologies while effectively managing their potential adverse impacts on communities.In her address, Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi stressed the urgency of ensuring gender parity in technology and innovation sectors. She emphasized that gender parity should not merely be an aspirational target but a guaranteed reality in these domains.Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi’s call to action resonates with the broader global conversation about gender diversity and inclusion in STEM fields and technology-related policy-making.
Her message serves as a rallying cry for tech firms, governments, and stakeholders worldwide to actively prioritize and champion gender equality in decision-making processes related to the ever-evolving world of technology.In conclusion, Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi’s impassioned plea for greater female representation and influence in technology policy-making underscores the imperative of addressing gender disparities in the field. Her address at the Women in Tech Global Summit in Paris serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals and organizations to work collectively toward achieving gender parity and ensuring that the benefits of technology innovation are accessible to all, while potential risks are effectively mitigated.
