Expo Dubai vital platform to amplify UAE’S gender balance
The launch of the UAE GBC’S ‘Balance for Beter’ report coincidences with the opening of Expo 2020
The UAE Gender Balance Council ( UAEGBC) kicked off its participation in Expo 2020 with the launch of its ‘Balance for Beter’ report, a complete source of UAE country specific gender balance insights. The launch of the report is yet another milestone in increasing awareness on gender balance and amplifying the UAE’S successful gender balance journey.
The report, which was developed under the guidance and directives of Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment, and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; outlines the UAE’S successful gender balance journey since the country’s establishment in 1971, with a focus on best practices in three specific fields: economy, society and politics. It also includes conversations with key experts from ministers to officials and public figures on their views about the UAE’S gender balance accomplishments and successes in their sectors, and presents practical case studies, showcasing examples that have led to a positive change. The report was launched by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council in the Women’s pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020. The launch was followed by an insighful panel discussion which was moderated by Faisal Bin Huraiz from Sky News Arabia. Panellists included Dr. Maitha Bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Hessa Bint Issa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development.
The report launch and panel discussion were also atended by Naama Al Mansoori, Aisha Al Mulla, Jameela Al Muhairi, Shamsa Saleh and Their Highnesses Members of the Federal Supreme Council, Editors in Chief of local newspapers, media professionals and influencers.
Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed her happiness with the launch of this report, serving as a vital resource in advancing gender balance across governmental and private sector institutions. The report draws on the UAE’S gender balance successes and the factors that made the country a regional and global model. The report also recognises the important role women will play in bringing to life the ‘towards the next fity’ strategy. These achievements were only made possible as a result of the unlimited support and remarkable contributions provided by the UAE’S wise leadership and the Mother of the UAE Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).
She added that with the participation of 192 countries and several global organisations, Expo 2020 is truly a global gathering and the right plaform to launch the UAE GBC’S report, as it sheds light on the UAE’S successful journey and experience in this field and its commitment to achieving the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), specificallythefithoneonachievinggenderequality and empowering all women and girls.
Sheikha Manal also highlighted that the UAE’S current global and regional positioning in gender balance is a result of the foundations laid 50 years ago by our founding father the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Foundations that continue to inspire nation’s leaders, decision-makers, officials, employees and youth. Sheikha Manal also expressed her thanks to all UAE ministries, government entities and private institutions for their support in launching several gender balance initiatives. Their support has played a central role in fostering an enabling environment in which women can meaningfully participate and thrive in the economy through proactive, transformative and measurable workplace policies and practices. Our leadership today continues their wisdom, including a commitment to the principles of gender balance and the advancement of women across diverse fields, and recognises the important role women will play in bringing to life the ‘towards the next fity’ strategy.
She emphasised the importance of fostering dialogues among the public and private sectors, and partner stakeholders in support of altering normative frameworks to further drive women’s engagement and enhance the country’s global competitiveness level, in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed.