Uncertainty is all what urban migration is all about.
Migrating from one place to another is not a new phenomenon. People have moved from one place to another for various reasons, be it in search of a better life, more money or a better climate to live in etc. In our history lessons we have learnt about great travelers like Vasco Da Gama, Christopher Columbus, Nicolo Conti, who traveled around the world and made a name for themselves. But unfortunately we do not see many women travelers in history. But the times have changed, and women are traveling more. They are looking for jobs, or education, and money.
Reasons behind catching a train to the city are Dreams, Desires, Ambitions and Career. It may be expectations of a greater livelihood, educational opportunities, moving away from conflicts at home, or dreams for a glamorous life. Migration is one process which helps in changing the fabrics of t he society. Along with this the demography of the place also changes and it brings business and culture to the city. But the question is how it impacts women from village and small towns. The city will become the reason behind their enlightenment, and knowledge. This knowledge would help them to be a part of this new city.
Migration to the Middle East:
The Indian real estate industry employs 71 million people, resulting in a low female employment rate of 25.1 percent. Addressing gender inequalities through targeted upskilling and fair pay could lead to significant economic benefits and improve inclusivity and productivity in the industry. The Middle East is undergoing a significant demographic shift in the workforce, with Indian women leading the way.
The number of Indian women migrant workers in the Middle East is expected to increase by more than 71 percent in the next two or three years. This increase will be fueled by growing opportunities in the hospitality, construction, healthcare, and technology sectors.
This trend shows a major shift in the region’s labor force as more Indian women take up jobs in fast-growing industries. The MENA (Middle-East and North Africa) region is becoming a key location for this change as the number of Indian women workers is expected to increase from 3.5 million to 6 million by 2027. Many Indian women have moved to the MENA region to work. While India’s growing economy offer opportunities, the UAE’s diverse labor market, supportive policies and high standard of living attract many skilled Indian women to cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
DEMAND FOR LABOR:
Leading the way are sectors such as construction and hospitality. The demand for Indian women workers in the hospitality industry will increase by 23 percent by 2023 compared to the previous year. With the UAE’s state-of-the-art medical facilities and growing expat community opening up new prospects for Indian professionals, there is also strong interest in the healthcare and education sectors.
In addition, growing sectors such as renewable energy. banking and technology are opening up opportunities for competent Indian women, reflecting the region’s drive for economic diversification. This shift is in line with broader initiatives to modernize economies and improve workforce inclusivity.
GENDER DIVERSITY IN LEADERSHIP AND STEM FIELDS:
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are increasingly promoting gender diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields and in leadership positions. In the United Arab Emirates, for example, the proportion of women among STEM graduates from the state universities is 41, which is higher than the global average. This trend is expected to continue as programs such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 actively encourages women to enter the workforce, with a target of 36% by 2025.
OPPORTUNITIES WITH EQUAL PAY INITIATIVES:
The UAE’s 2020 law mandating equal pay for men and women in the commercial sector and Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to close the gender pay gap suggest a promising future. Bu 2025, women in sectors such as consumer goods, technology and healthcare are expected to see salary increases of up to 4.5 percent, which would make Middle Eastern markets even more attractive to Indian women. Lucrative packages are one of the most desirable things.
PUSH ENTREPRENEURIAL AMBITIONS:
Indian women are also making a significant economic contribution to the UAE through their 50,000 businesses worth AED 60 billion, Hub71 and the Dubai Business Women Council are enabling women to start and grow businesses in sectors such as renewable energy and fintech.
The growing number of Indian women working in the Middle East shows that a revolutionary era of gender diversity, inclusivity and economic collaboration has dawned. The MENA region is poised to become a hub for supporting Indian women entrepreneurs and professionals.
The UAE’s growing healthcare sector, supported by world-class medical facilities, has proved particularly enticing for Indian nurses and medical professionals looking for a better salary and work environment.
Similarly, the country’s growing education industry, fueled by a growing expatriate community, offers attractive teaching opportunities for Indian women looking to enhance their careers.
Indian women looking for active customer-facing positions now have more options as the UAE has a growing hospitality and retail sector that also guarantees world-class healthcare and education.
Due to the country’s booming tourism industry, there is a great demand for skilled workers in these fields, which often pay better than in India.
The UAE’s strategic geographical location at the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations has also proved beneficial for Indian women seeking international exposure. Moreover, the UAE’s multicultural diversity which thrives on the glorious blending of traditions from around the world, has certainly enriched the life experience for Indian expatriates.
The growing number of Indian women in the Middle Eastern workforce reflects a changing era of gender diversity, inclusion and economic cooperation.
The MENA region is poised to become a hub for the empowerment of Indian professionals and women entrepreneurs, thanks to encouraging policies, growing sectoral opportunities and improvements in entrepreneurship.
If one ever looks at any journey of a woman, we have seen how women can be both emotional and strong at the same time. Looking at woman’s journey in her early 20s about making a life in the city has always been an inspirational story.
After battling with their dreams and parents in many cases, when these women come out in the society, it seems as if they are presented as debutantes.
Underneath are the stories of two such debutantes who migrated to the city for education, but life had different plans for them.
Sometimes, it may be looked down upon, but it does encourage many young girls to leave their cities and move to a big city in order to pursue their dreams and achieve big for themselves.
