Nothing should limit you or hold you back, says minister
abu dhabi — There is no gender gap in the UAE, and women are equal to men in all spheres, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Federal National Council Affairs, has said.
Speaking to aspiring Emirati diplomats at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Al Kaabi said the UAE women are ideally placed to work anywhere and in any field, and nothing should hold them back.
“Nothing should hold you back from applying or taking on any job in government, private sector or anywhere, however big the position might be as long as you have the required qualifications,” she told female students. “What matters is the way you package and present yourself, your skills, self confidence and passion to work in a competitive environment.”
Al Kaabi, who is also the chairwoman of the Media Zone Authority — Abu Dhabi (MZA) and twofour54, was giving a lecture on ‘Be bold for Change’, which was intended to mark the celebration of UN International Women’s Day, a global event to highlight the political, economic, social and cultural achievements of women.
She said the UAE government has empowered women and that they have the right to work anywhere.
“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said nothing makes him happier than seeing UAE women employed in all fields, be it science and technology, construction, education, politics or business,” said Al Kaabi. “It’s about serving your country no matter what your gender is. Nothing should limit you.”
The minister noted that education for women is important as it is for men. She said it was encouraging that Emirati female students have shown great interest in education, as 95 per cent of UAE women who complete high school join colleges and universities.
Al Kaabi also told the aspiring diplomats about the importance of spreading the values and culture of the UAE while working in different countries through networking, meeting and mingling with people. “Be present whenever you are or at the job, be focused and don’t get distracted. The mentality of work progression is also important because it makes you work hard for a promotion.” She also said to students that team work is vital in every job and it’s never a one person’s show.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com