Emirates in top 10 of global list for promoting gender equality

The UAE has been ranked seventh on a global list of nations for its efforts to promote gender equality.

The country was also rated first in the region on the Gender Inequality Index, which is part of a UN Human Development report.

This graded countries on efforts to reduce inequality between the sexes.

The nation with the best record was Denmark, with Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland making up the top six.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, praised the efforts of his daughter Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed as president of the UAE Gender Balance Council.

“I’m proud of my daughter, Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed, and her successful leadership on this national project, a distinguished team and a distinguished achievement,” Sheikh Mohammed said on X.

The UAE has moved up four places from its previous ranking in last year’s index.

“Improving the UAE’s ranking in global reports and indicators strengthens its position as a global and regional model for gender balance,” Sheikha Manal said in quotes carried by Dubai Media Office.

She said the UAE’s commitment to empowering women was paying off.

“Today, they [women] are key decision-makers in pivotal sectors, supporting our nation’s global leadership aspirations,” she said.

The next best-placed Gulf country was Bahrain in 45th, followed by Kuwait at 51st, Qatar 54th, Saudi Arabia 55th and Oman 66th.

The report used criteria such as the percentage of women in parliament and women with secondary education. The UAE’s 50 per cent of female MPs was topped only by New Zealand.

In November, the UAE launched a drive to increase the number of women working in the industrial sector.

The UAE Gender Balance Council was created in 2015 to help with the goal of becoming one of the world’s top 25 countries for gender equality by 2021.

The UAE is currently serving on the executive board of UN Women.