The UAE is marking International Women’s Day today (March 8) with a powerful statement – women’s empowerment is moving full speed ahead.
From smashing global gender rankings to securing top government roles, Emirati women are taking centre stage in the country’s unstoppable progress.
Breaking Barriers and Making History
The UAE has skyrocketed to 7th place globally in the 2024 Gender Inequality Index (GII), issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), securing its spot as the top performer in the region.
And that’s not all – the government is putting women in key leadership positions, with the recent appointment of Sana bint Mohammed Suhail as Minister of Family under the newly established Ministry of Family.
Women’s health is also getting a major boost with the launch of the National Policy for the Promotion of Women’s Health, ensuring top-quality healthcare for women across all stages of life.
Boardrooms, Business and Beyond
In a game-changing move for women in business, the Ministry of Economy now requires private joint-stock companies to have at least one woman on their board of directors – a huge win for gender equality in corporate leadership!
Meanwhile, the General Women’s Union has rolled out the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, giving young female entrepreneurs and business owners the tools they need to thrive in the UAE’s booming economy.
Women at the Forefront of Global Change
The UAE isn’t just focusing on local success – it’s shaping the global conversation on women’s rights.
Last year, the country co-authored a historic UN resolution with the UK, ensuring equal access to education for girls worldwide. It’s also one of the biggest donors to UN Women, contributing a whopping $46 million to support women’s initiatives across the globe.
When it comes to peace and security, the UAE is leading the charge. During its 2022-2023 tenure on the UN Security Council, the country pushed for greater female representation in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
Plus, the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Women, Peace, and Security has already trained hundreds of female cadets from the Arab region, Africa, and Asia, ensuring women have a powerful role in global security.
A Future Powered by Women
Since its founding, the UAE has made huge strides in gender equality – from equal pay laws to women holding half of the seats in the Federal National Council. And with its unstoppable drive, the future is looking brighter than ever for Emirati women.
(Source: Wam)
