2013-01-14 11:53:49 - The provision of on-site corporate childcare education facilities could help the nation’s public and private organisations boost performance, according to Badr Al-Olama, chairman of the Childcare Development Company, Bidayaat.

Working Mothers Create Demand For Early Years’ Education

92% of local working mothers support in-house nursery option
84% of women attribute increased productivity to nursery facilities

Dubai, UAE January 2013:

Figures suggest that 20 per cent of UAE-based working women put their career on hold soon after their first child, in fact a survey by the Dubai Women's Establishment (DWE) revealed that 92 per cent of women confirmed they would use corporate nursery facilities, if they were available.

The survey went on to state that 84 per cent of women attributed increased productivity in the workplace to nursery facilities.

“There is a growing need for world-class early years’ schooling to support the career development of the nation’s working women, in tandem with raising a

family. Organisations across the UAE can help by offering corporate nurseries, in-house.”

He added that the need for in-house nursery facilities is driven by the growth in the number of working mothers. In 2010, around 25 per cent of Emirati women were employed, and this continues to rise.

He went on to cite global reports that suggest there is a clear link between the standard of a country’s education and its economic performance. It is reported that children under three who experience a professional early learning programme bring the highest return in productivity in later years.

“The socio-economic factors that drive the need for early learning education in OECD economies like the United Kingdom, includes an increase in the number of working mothers.”

Meanwhile, Bidayaat’s CEO, Tracey Furey said that this factor is now present in the UAE.

“It is encouraging to see that the local community is beginning to recognise the importance of the early learning years. This bodes well for the economy and for the development of the UAE in general. In tandem, we notice that the working mothers are searching for quality pre-school nursery and education facilities.”

Furey confirmed that Bidayaat has already started investing in early years’ education programmes geared to delivering an outstanding experience for children, parents and pre-school educators.

Bidayaat, which means beginnings in Arabic, is focused on delivering early education programmes and initiatives that have the ability to help nurture long-term economic growth and social sustainability.

ENDS

Sources:

Bennett Report (2009) Early Childhood and Education Services in Dubai
Financial Times
Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) Arab Women Leadership Forum 2010
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