One of the most interesting aspects of the trip thus far is the group's adaptation to 'middle eastern time' and the low levels of ucertainty avoidance. Coming from a very structured environment in the states, it's been a total cultural adjustment to having our plans change constantly from minute to minute, and having people running late or running in and out of meetings on cell phones. Today we had to await confirmation from an office at Zayed that we could eat lunch, even though it was already served!
In addition to learning about the cultural norms, we've done a great deal of learning about women in leadership, particularly about the government and individual companies' influence on promoting employment among Emerati women. One student we spoke to today was sponsored by a bank. This means that she will work there during the summer, and the company will "sponsor" her during the school year. Being sponsored means that the company will pay her monthly (the amount is dependent on her GPA) throughout her years in school (she has two years remaining) and she will give her a job with them upon graduation for a set period of time (either the number of years she was sponsored or double the number of years she was sponsored). Throughout our stay here, a common theme has been that the government sees the need for women in the workplace, but society isn't ready (particularly elders and families of young women). Businesses employing initiatives such as this are proof that society is working towards accepting women workers, and many of the young women we've met have said their families are accepting, if not encouraging, of their career plans.
-Meagan George
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