Ms Nokhez Usama
Nokhez Usama, a Dubai-based behavioral neuropsychologist specializing in psychopathology and brain trauma, is the founder of Mind/Me, a platform dedicated to corporate wellness and mental health support. Her expertise drives her commitment to applying cognitive and behavioral strategies to enhance mental health, with a particular focus on adolescents and young adults, both in clinical settings and through policy reform.
Beyond her role as a founder, Nokhez remains deeply engaged in clinical practice, research, and policy development, striving to advance mental wellness and create lasting, meaningful impact in the field.
Exploring the Evolving Perspectives on Career Aspirations and Parenthood Amongst Females in the UAE
This study examines how cultural norms and social attitudes influence career aspirations among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), extending traditional research beyond university students. Despite women comprising 70% of university graduates in the UAE, their workforce participation stands at only 28%, notably below the global average of 42%. Cultural factors, such as traditional parenting norms and societal expectations regarding childbearing, significantly impact career aspirations, especially as women balance professional and family roles. Utilizing an independent measures survey design, this research explores the relationships between cultural orientation, attitudes toward motherhood, and parental employment. By employing validated scales, the study hypothesizes that traditional parenting norms and collectivist values may constrain career aspirations, whereas individualistic orientations and working parental role models are likely to enhance ambitions. Addressing a critical data gap, this research offers timely insights for policymakers aiming to align well-being policies with contemporary behaviors and attitudes, addressing frustrations about current policy limitations. The findings intend to inform policy and program development, creating environments that empower women to achieve their career goals amid evolving societal expectations in the UAE.
This study aligns with the conference theme by exploring how changing cultural norms and societal expectations in the UAE influence women's career aspirations. As the UAE undergoes rapid transformation, understanding the psychological impact of these changes on women's professional ambitions is essential.