5 SEPTEMBER2025W MAN LEADERGLOBAL W MAN LEADERGLOBAL Editor's NoteWomen's Education on a Swift Rise in The Middle East Education forms the very foundation of an individual's or community's growth. A crucial marker of a healthy and progressive society is when its women have equal access to education. The Middle East has historically been known to be a patriarchal society, where women's rights were curtailed. However, the region has been striving to walk with the times and give to its women, rights and opportunities that they were earlier denied. Education has been a key marker of this phenomenon. Although women in the Middle East began receiving education only in the 20th Century, yet since then there has been steady growth. Today, the Middle East has one of the strongest education and literacy stats. With a score of 97.2 percent in 2024, the region enjoyed equality in literacy and enrolment across levels of education. The literacy rate for women in the UAE is 95.8 percent.Within the UAE, women form the majority of enrollments in secondary education, in university and post-graduate institutions. 77 percent of Emirati women pursue higher education with 70 percent of the total graduates being women.This positive movement in women's education can be attributed to the affirmative action taken by governments in the Middle East. With various programs and initiatives in place, the future of education in the Middle East looks bright.A massive role in the industry is played by women educators. Driven by passion and duty, these women are shaping the future leaders of the world. This month's special edition of the GWL magazine focuses on such women educators from the Middle East.Read an in-depth interview featuring Reem Heakal. the Co-Founder and Director of RS Educational Consultants, a student-centered college counselling firm committed to personalized, research-based guidance for high school students. With a background in international relations and macroeconomic research, she has a unique blend of analytical thinking with a deep passion for education and youth development.Another visionary educator featured this month is Ekaterina Sizova, the Principal of Russian School of Mathematics (RSM), Tel Aviv. With entrepreneurial experience in developing scalable solutions across businesses and industries, Ekaterina relies on her acumen to perform and excel globally. Her academic training in Applied Mathematics and Management informs a versatile approach to product development. From launching FoodTech and EdTech ventures to innovating in HealthTech and customer experience platforms, Ekaterina has driven products from concept to scale. These women educators focus on students' holistic development and prepare them for future. Read more about the pedagogies and strategies they employ to facilitate positive learning outcomes for students. Your thoughts are welcome. Rachita SharmaManaging Editor
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