FNC offers women an opportunity to excel
The UAE has succeeded in empowering Emirati women in the parliamentary field, with 24 of them becoming members of the Federal National Council (FNC) during three legislative chapters.
The FNC membership period, which is known as a legislative chapter, begins from the date of its first meeting and lasts four years.
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi is the first Emirati woman to become FNC Speaker as well as the first to attain such a leading position in the Arab region and the Middle East.
FNC members Alia Al Jasem, Aisha Bin Samnoa and Aisha Rashid highlighted the importance of the role of parliaments in promoting and reinforcing a culture of peace and tolerance, and strengthening international cooperation and solidarity under the framework of parliamentary work.
The FNC’s 14th legislative chapter in 2006 was the first to see the participation of Emirati women, who won nine out of 40 seats.
The successes of Emirati women continued in the FNC’s 15th and 16th legislative chapters in 2011 and 2016. The FNC’s 15th legislative chapter witnessed the appointment of six women. Shaikha Al Arri was the second Emirati women to be elected.
The FNC’s 16th legislative chapter witnessed the appointment of seven women, and Naema Al Sharhan won the elections to become the third Emirati woman to acquire FNC membership.