These countries are facing a female brain drain

Reasons behind the female brain drain

Although it is difficult to establish official statistics, the facts are there. More working women are migrating from African countries, especially from North Africa and Gulf countries. The same is true of Iran, where many female graduates are leaving.

Fewer women in the labor force

These departures are due to several factors. First of all, women are less present in the labor market. In Morocco, for example, the drop in women's participation rate has even been described as "structural". According to the Haut-Commissariat au Plan (HCP) reports in 2022, the activity rate in Morocco was at 44.3%. The activity rate for women is 19.8%. This number continues to decrease and even drops by 50% when Moroccan women marry. The HCP reveals that between 10% and 23% of housewives are unable to work due to the refusal of their husbands or family members. Furthermore, if they are lucky enough to find work, their wages are barely above the guaranteed interprofessional minimum wage. Women are more likely to work in insecure jobs with few career prospects. The HCP concludes that less than 20% of women over 15 are employed. Conversely, about 80% of women over the age of 15 are inactive. The difference with men is nearly 50%.

Too many limitations despite the progress

Morocco serves as an example to other countries where political systems and cultural traditions directly affect women. Admittedly, the situation has improved. Mohammed Bin Salman's (MBS), in Saudi Arabia, is keen to highlight the spectacular breakthrough made by women in the workforce. The executive recalls Vision 2030, MBS's strategy for the Saudi economy, launched in 2016 and considered "revolutionary", granting more rights to women who now drive, work and contribute to the Saudi economy.

On 11 January 2023, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed al-Rajhi, highlighted the country's progress at the opening of the 12th Social Dialogue Forum in Riyadh. The female employment rate reached 37% in 2022, which is a record. The private sector employs around 2.2 million Saudi men and women. This is also a record and the outcome of Vision 2030. Rather than focusing on public sector jobs (traditionally favored by Saudis), the reforms carried out by MBS have successfully opened up more opportunities in the private sector, as testified by current figures. Saudi women are even encouraged to take up traditional male professions, such as train drivers, technology jobs, finance, etc. The relaxing of restrictions on women's employment has enabled many of them to take on new responsibilities. 

So why do women leave? Those who do point out the difference between freedom on paper (or in legislation) and reality. Increased repression and control, particularly for those who dare to speak out, are significant challenges to women's progress as Saudi Arabia remains a conservative country.

Graduate women have no other choice than to move abroad

It's a vicious circle. The exodus of working women can be explained by several factors, each of which impacts the role of women in the workplace, in society, and in the family sphere. The first distinctions are made within the family. Girls are less likely to study further, although the situation is improving slowly. In Egypt, for example, 49.2% of girls were enrolled in schools in 2021. However, the World Bank reports that only 19% of women work in North Africa and the Gulf States compared to 79% of men.

The role of girls, and subsequently women, play in society and other social domains is largely determined by their position within the family, and whether or not they attend school. Yet conservatism imposes greater restrictions on girls. They are confined to household chores (tasks that are largely undervalued) and are not encouraged to pursue their studies, particularly in lucrative sectors. To escape this vicious circle, these female graduates choose to relocate abroad. Although there are many women doctors in Egypt, there is still a shortage of doctors. Women doctors are leaving the country for better career opportunities and earn higher salaries overseas. Women are fleeing Iran to escape the severe repression. Despite protests, this repression has persisted since the death of Jina Mahsa Amini. Nonetheless, Iranian women are carrying on their revolution. Moving abroad seems to be their last resort.

Breaking the glass ceiling

All the obstacles faced by women from birth account for the women's brain drain, especially in North Africa and the Middle East, and in varying degrees in many other countries. In Iran, 60% of students are women, but only 15% are in the local workforce. While their diplomas should naturally open the doors to positions of responsibility, the glass ceiling prevents them from progressing in their careers.

We must also consider all the aspects of everyday life that impede these women's professional advancement. How do you travel in public transport despite the prevailing insecurity? How can you feel safe in the street or at work? How do you report harassment when the country's laws don't protect women (or do so poorly)? All these aspects are combined with low salaries, inadequate distribution of tasks in the home, discrimination against mothers, etc. Many of these graduate women choose to relocate to Germany, the United States, or Canada. 

Of course, each country has its challenges regarding women's rights. But the situation is clearly more critical in some countries. These professional women are determined to make the most of their freedom and gain access to key positions in foreign countries, considering themselves messengers for future generations.