CROWN PRINCE FETES EMIRATI WOMEN
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with women leaders from UAE government delegations at an Emirati Women’s Day function in Abu Dhabi on Monday. —
“The UAE has been among the forerunners since the declaration of the UAE Federation in 1971 with regards to strengthening women’s status,” according to a report released on the sidelines of Emirati Women’s Day by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
By marking Emirati Women’s Day on August 28 every year, the UAE has been giving paramount importance to increasing women’s representation in the country’s foreign diplomacy over the past several years, said the ministry.
“Emirati Women’s Day is an occasion to commemorate the significant contributions made by Emirati women in areas of politics, economics, social services, science and humanities, translating the prestigious position notched by them across all these fields,” added the report.
“These contributions made by Emirati women are attributable to the tremendous support provided by the country’s wise leadership who has secured the top-notch ranking achieved by Emirati women across different sectors, ensured their rights and enabled them to shoulder their responsibilities as a major contributor to the country’s economy.”
The report also highlighted the pivotal role played by ‘Mother of the Nation’ Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in fulfilling the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for women’s development and empowerment.
The report finds that the country has taken strategic steps towards this direction by enacting laws, sparing no efforts to strengthen gender equality in all walks of life, including equality in wages, as late Sheikh Zayed gave importance to the development of women out of a strong belief in their vital role in the development drive.
Citing the pro-women initiatives championed and supported by the country over the years, the report mentioned that the UAE has launched “The National Strategy for the Advancement of Women in collaboration with the United Nations in 2002 besides the Law on
Emirati Women’s Day is an occasion to commemorate the significant contributions made by Emirati women in areas of politics, economics, social services, science and humanities, translating the prestigious position notched by them.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation
Personal Status along with solidifying women’s rights and contributions across all fields.”
The report also pointed to the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 20152021, the primary goal of which is to provide women with decent life.
The prestigious position now attained by the Emirati women is translated by their marked presence across all government portfolios, where eight out of 29 ministerial positions are held by Emirati women, added the report.
The report highlighted that women make up for 22 per cent of the Federal National Council members and women now account for 66 per cent of government jobs, 30 per cent of which are senior decision-making positions, and 15 per cent of technical jobs, adding that women now hold 75 per cent of jobs in areas of education and health. — Wam