UAE firm on shaping ‘secure digital future’ for women

The UAE, through the Gender Balance Council, took part in the BRICS Women’s Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Brazil, addressing women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, digital safety, and climate action.

On this occasion, Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of UAE Gender Balance Council, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, praised Brazil’s leadership of the BRICS group and reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to global collaboration that uplifts women and ensures sustainable, inclusive growth.

Sheikha Manal stated that “economic empowerment is not only a basic right for women; it is a national priority and a driver of sustainable growth and innovation.”

She emphasised that gender balance is central to the UAE’s national agenda and that economic empowerment for women is a strategic priority that drives innovation and resilience. The UAE continues leading the region with progressive laws supporting equal pay, parental leave, and women’s full economic participation.

She highlighted the UAE’s commitment to including women in climate action and green innovation, noting their leadership roles in sustainability, solar energy, and agriculture.

Furthermore, Sheikha Manal praised the timely and vital themes addressed at the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Women’s Affairs, noting that they reflect a shared determination among member states to place gender equality at the core of sustainable development and global progress. She noted the importance of international collaboration, adding, “BRICS offers a valuable platform to share knowledge and create opportunities for women to lead climate action efforts worldwide.”

Sheikha Manal expressed deep pride in the UAE’s remarkable milestones in advancing women’s economic empowerment-milestones made possible through the unwavering support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the encouragement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. She reaffirmed that the UAE regards women’s empowerment as a fundamental right and a national priority that drives progress across all sectors.

Sheikha Manal also reiterated the UAE’s strong commitment to shaping a digital future that is empowering, equitable, and protected from gender-based violence.

This commitment is reinforced through robust legal and legislative frameworks. In November, the UAE Gender Balance Council advanced these efforts by launching the “Guidelines for Preventive Policies Against Gender-Based Violence Through Digital Applications,” a pioneering step towards safer digital environments for women.

The UAE participated actively in the BRICS Women’s Affairs Ministerial Meeting, with the participation of Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council.

The meeting commenced with an inspiring address by Brazil’s First Lady, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and the presence of distinguished leaders: Esther Duque, Minister of Administration and Innovation in Public Services; Anielle Franco, Minister of Racial Equality; and Aparecida Gonçalves, Minister of Women of Brazil.

Together, they championed a powerful agenda of progress through three pivotal discussions: advancing international coordination, empowering women through economic independence and entrepreneurship, harnessing digital governance to combat online violence, and amplifying women’s voices in climate action and sustainable development.

In the “Women, Development, and Entrepreneurship” session, Mona Al Marri underscored the UAE’s long-standing support for women in business.

“Emirati women have made a lasting impact on our national economy,” said Al Marri.

“Today, they represent 18% of all entrepreneurs, and over 77% are under 40. These achievements result from decades of progressive policies and leadership support.”

She highlighted that Emirati women have significantly impacted the business landscape, with the number of female entrepreneurs rising to 25,000 by 2021, a testament to their growing influence and determination in shaping the future of the UAE.

WAM