Arab Women Leading the Charge in Engineering, Genomics and Robotics

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ wave of bright young Arab women entering science, technology, engineering, and medicine (STEM) is becoming noticeably loud. Their work goes far beyond what was traditionally expected in these areas and includes advanced engineering, biomedical research, and genomics.
One such example is a scientist from the United Arab Emirates, who is fabricating a robotic arm taking nature from the ocean as an example.

Without taking apart the aircraft engines, her aim is to be able to do the inspection in this way, hence, minimizing the time during which the engine is unusable and making it safer. Back when she was fixing things in her father’s workshop, the idea must have been incubating somewhere in her mind.

These women have been acknowledged and awarded this week at the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talent Program, a platform celebrating those scientists whose ideas are the basis of the technologies of the future. Their stories emphasize how a combination of curiosity and chance can get rid of the barriers.

Some have chosen engineering, while others genomics or biotechnology. What connects them is the love of making things, not only careers. These accounts of women breaking through stereotype walls and serving as a sign of change in the perception of STEM in the Arab world, constitute a major shift.

Their influence is far reaching. We know that when women are in charge of such sectors, they advocate for diverse perspectives resulting in pushing work that benefits the community at large. This ladies’ science wave is a source of motivation not only for Arab girls but for girl everywhere who dream of ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌science.