Meeting of Gender Balance Council held

Officials review preliminary results of Gender Balance Index across federal government entities

The UAE Gender Balance Council reviewed the preliminary results of the Gender Balance Index across federal government entities, in a meeting held recently.

The meeting chaired by Mona Al Merri, vice-president of the Council, also discussed topics including pension entitlements for the families of deceased female employees, the Council’s brand identity, and updates on the UAE Gender Balance Guide.

The agenda also featured a session about the Council’s key achievements since its first meeting in March earlier this year, as well as upcoming projects and initiatives.

The Council is set to present the final results and raise awareness among government entities about the importance of establishing programmes and initiatives to support gender balance at work. The Council will also honour federal entities according to the results and document the efforts of supporting bodies through the UAE Gender Balance Seal.

Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president of the UAE Gender Balance Council, and president of Dubai Women Establishment, directed the General Secretariat of the Council to study the Pension and Social Security Law, and ensure the rights of working women. The Council held a discussion with the General Pension and Social Security Authority, highlighting a clear gap in pension entitlements for heirs of deceased female employees, compared to those of deceased male employees, despite the similarity of their responsibilities.

The Council will collaborate with the Authority in coordination with the prime minister’s Office, to amend the law and ensure equal treatment for the heirs of both female and male employees. This is in line with the UAE’s efforts to reduce the gender gap and drive women’s empowerment across all sectors, enhancing the country’s global competitiveness in gender equality.

Brand identity

The UAE Gender Balance Council also unveiled its brand identity during the meeting. Council members recommended use of the branding for future events and initiatives.

The Council approved the launch of the Gender Balance Guide in September, which was developed in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The guide will serve as a comprehensive tool to help organisations promote gender balance by identifying the necessary steps to meet gender balance requirements in line with international standards and UAE law.