Another major UAE step to empower women

In the UAE, women always remain a key pillar of social development. The adoption of several legislative policies and initiatives by the UAE leadership to support Emirati women has taken empowerment to a much higher level, worthy of emulation by other nations.

The decision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to raise the percentage of female Federal National Council (FNC) members to 50 per cent will undoubtedly help strengthen the country’s political development.

It is an important part of Sheikh Khalifa’s “Political Empowerment Programme” launched in 2005, which aims to prepare citizens to participate in public life and enable the FNC to become closer to the people.

The National Elections Committee (NEC) has done well to explain the mechanisms of implementing Sheikh Khalifa’s decision by noting that the Ruler of each emirate can specify the number of seats held by women when electing their emirate’s representatives in the FNC while ensuring that this number does not exceed half of the total.

Earlier, the UAE election rule issued under the Presidential Resolution No. (1) of 2019 towards raising women’s representation in the FNC to 50 per cent with effect from the upcoming legislative cycle was hailed all around as a historic step marking a momentous milestone on women’s empowerment.

The resolution had modified certain provisions of the Federal Supreme Council Resolution No. (4) of 2006 concerning the manner of electing the emirates’ representatives in the FNC and its amendments.

The “National Strategy for Women Empowerment and Pioneering in the UAE 2015-2021,” which was launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, has turned out to be one of the key factors in achieving women’s empowerment and removing the obstacles facing their participation in all sectors.

The FNC itself is renowned for playing a defining role in empowering Emirati women.

During its 14th legislative term (2006-2011), women’s representation in the Council exceeded 22 per cent — the highest in Arab parliaments at the time, while a woman assumed the presidency of the parliament for the first time in the Arab world during the 16th legislative term (2015-2019).

Over the last five years, the UAE has dedicated $322 million for humanitarian initiatives focused on women and girls.

Emirati women have received strong national support, which contributed to their many successes in all areas, as working women account for 66 per cent of federal government employees, including 30 per cent in leading positions, and the number of Emirati businesswomen accounts for 23,000, who are managing investments amounting to Dhs40 billion.

Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the FNC, earlier well stated that the UAE was advancing towards the future and enabling its community to participate in its plans and initiatives, which includes raising future generations to be the leaders of tomorrow.

As Dr Al Qubaisi explained, due to the efforts of its leadership, the UAE is capable of empowering its entire community and empowering women, the youth and children, as part of the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Emirati women have achieved considerable political advancement. While most nations merely talk about women’s empowerment, the UAE has shown the world how to efficiently promote gender balance and encourage women to play a prominent role in the country’s growth.