The final day of the MENA Youth Employment Summit concluded with inspiring discussions, forward-thinking insights and bold challenges to both youth and educators. The event emphasised the collective responsibility to drive meaningful change and take action on the future of youth employment in the region.

Women’s employability: Addressing barriers and creating opportunities

During the MENA YES session on women’s employability, I was pleased to dive deeper into the outcomes of my day 1 presentation on our model for increasing women’s employment in non-traditional sectors. Alongside other models shared, the discussion shed light on both challenges and opportunities for women, especially those from rural areas. One focus was the development of cooperatives, which empower women in these regions by offering a platform for collaboration and economic growth.

It was emphasised that employers must embrace internal change to create more inclusive workplaces. This involves supporting, recruiting, retaining and training women, ensuring they have the tools to succeed from both a personally and professionally. The insights shared during the session highlighted the importance of industries and associations actively driving this transformation.

However, the session also highlighted significant barriers that women face:

• Family and financial responsibility often limit women’s ability to pursue employment.
• Proximity to training remains a major hurdle, as many women in rural areas struggle to access technical assistance or grant programmes.
• Illiteracy and lack of technical support were cited as challenges, particularly for women entrepreneurs.
• Negative stereotypes and community restrictions continue to limit women’s roles, with no clear talent pipeline available for women to advance into leadership positions.
• Self-exclusion, where women are made to believe that opportunities are unavailable to them further compounds the issue.

In addition to these societal barriers, legal constraints were also discussed. For example, laws that prohibit women from working night shifts or in certain sectors can hinder their career growth. Additionally, cultural norms, safety concerns, and domestic responsibilities often restrict women’s potential in the workplace.

Despite these challenges, the session highlighted opportunities for change. By supporting industry to adopt best practices for inclusivity, it is possible to create new pathways for women. Additionally, improving access to core / soft skills and technical training and financial resources will help to address many existing barriers, enabling women to thrive in their careers.

One of the standout discussions centred on the experiences of space exploration. “What was it like going to space?” one of our youth panellists asked Sarah Sabry the first female astronaut from Egypt and Africa. Sarah shared that she only had two weeks’ notice and just five days of training before her short space flight on 4 August 2022. The memory of seeing the rocket on the launch pad filled her with awe. “I knew it was going to happen,” she reflected. “Being above Earth shows how connected we are to the universe. Space belongs to all of us.”

Sarah shared an undeniable truth: If you’re too comfortable, you’re not challenged. To achieve great things, you must step outside of your comfort zone. This powerful message echoed through many of the discussions during the day.

The role of educators in a changing world

Teachers were acknowledged as key influencers in shaping young minds. The importance of experiential learning was emphasised, particularly in areas such as AI. The message was clear: embrace technology rather than resist it. Encourage students to experiment, to test boundaries and to take risks. Teachers are uniquely positioned to push students beyond their comfort zones and help them realise their potential. “Don’t underestimate what students can achieve when given the right challenges.” one speaker remarked.

Collective action and the path forward

The conference closed with a focus on the power of collective action.“We collectively have the experience, the will and the resources to make a difference.” the organisers stated.

A strong sense of optimism filled the room, reflecting the talent and innovative thinking present. However, the consensus clear: more than just good ideas is needed: we must act together.

The MENA YES event wrapped up with a commitment to keep the dialogue open. This is only the beginning and there numerous challenges lie ahead, from space exploration to navigating the evolving world of AI and technology. Yet with the dedication and passion demonstrated through the event, it’s clear that the future is in capable hands.

Let’s continue to challenge one another to grow, innovate, and take collective action – because, as we were reminded, “Space belongs to all of us”.