UAE leadership views women as essential partners in addressing challenges and driving comprehensive development
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to commemorate International Women’s Day tomorrow, observed on March 8 of each year, as the nation forges ahead in its mission of empowering Emirati women at “full speed.” This commitment has led to remarkable milestones that significantly enhance the sustainable development trajectory of the country.
Women’s issues remain a central focus in the vision of the UAE’s leadership, which recognizes women as vital and influential partners in tackling challenges and fostering comprehensive development.
Emirati women’s contributions to achievements
Emirati women have been instrumental in the nation’s significant accomplishments over the past year and continue to excel in various sectors this year. The UAE has ascended to the seventh position globally and has maintained the top rank regionally in the 2024 Gender Inequality Index (GII) released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Enhanced representation in government
The UAE has also made strides in enhancing women’s representation within the government framework, notably with the appointment of Sana bint Mohammed Suhail as Minister of Family, following the recent establishment of the Ministry of Family.
National policy for women’s health
A landmark advancement in women’s rights is the launch of the National Policy for the Promotion of Women’s Health, aimed at ensuring the highest standards of preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative healthcare services for women throughout their lives in the UAE.
Strengthening economic roles of women
The country continues to bolster women’s roles in sustainable economic development. The Ministry of Economy has issued a ministerial decision mandating that at least one seat on the boards of directors of private joint-stock companies be allocated to women upon the conclusion of the current board terms.
Additionally, the Ministry of Economy and the General Women’s Union formalized a cooperation agreement to enhance communication and unify efforts in women’s economic empowerment, further establishing the UAE as a global beacon for women’s advancement.
The General Women’s Union has also initiated the second cohort of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Program, targeting young women, aspiring female entrepreneurs, and existing business owners looking to expand their ventures.
Historical transformations for Emirati women
Since the establishment of the UAE, Emirati women have experienced significant historical transformations, including increased representation in the Cabinet, occupying half of the seats in the Federal National Council, and achieving global advancements in gender balance rankings. They now enjoy equal pay with men, have strengthened their presence in business and sciences, participate in key strategic sectors like space and clean energy, have the option to join national service voluntarily, and have seen the appointment of the first female judge and the first two female prosecutors in the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
Ongoing initiatives for women’s advancement
This year’s International Women’s Day arrives as the UAE continues to unveil initiatives, programs, and plans aimed at elevating women’s status in various societies, drawing on its pioneering experience that has earned global recognition.
The UAE’s initiatives have been pivotal in adopting several historic international resolutions, most notably the United Nations Human Rights Council’s resolution on ensuring equal access to education for all girls, co-authored by the UAE and the United Kingdom in October 2023.
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Membership in UN Women
The UAE has participated in the Executive Board of UN Women for two terms: 2013-2019 and 2023-2025, serving as the Presidency of the Executive Board in 2017. Additionally, it has contributed over $46 million in voluntary funding to UN Women, reinforcing its status as one of the largest global donors and the leading contributor in the region.
Furthermore, the empowerment of women in peace and security has been a paramount priority for the UAE during its 2022-2023 tenure on the UN Security Council. The nation has made women’s involvement in conflict prevention, resolution, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
In 2019, the UAE, in collaboration with UN Women, launched the H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Women, Peace, and Security, which has since graduated hundreds of female cadets from the Arab region, Africa, and Asia, promoting women’s full, equal, and effective participation in the security sector.
Adherence to international conventions
The UAE has also ratified several international conventions focused on women’s rights and protection, including:
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 2004. The Hours of Work (Industry) Convention in 1982. The Forced Labour Convention in 1982. The Labour Inspection Convention in 1982.
These efforts reaffirm the UAE’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, ensuring that its achievements not only uplift Emirati women but also inspire and positively influence women globally.
