DUBAI // Increased female participation in society is a top priority for the UAE, Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed, wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, said on Tuesday.
Sheikha Manal, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and President of Dubai Women Establishment, said these goals would be achieved through the adoption of legislation and policies that support women.
She said this was one of the main reasons behind the UAE being one of the world’s leading nations in female literacy and education levels, according to the Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum.
“The remarkable achievements of women in the UAE would not have been possible without the strong belief of our leaders in the importance of involving both men and women in the development of our nation, and providing them with equal opportunities,” Sheikha Manal said.
“The UAE’s progress is dependent on innovation and continual achievements in different sectors by both genders. Our leaders ensure that the rights of all people are upheld, without discrimination, and provide women with an opportunity to make a difference in the community and in different roles.”
The council recently met to discuss its work plan and its vision, and adopted the UAE gender balance programme, which aims to make the UAE one of the top 25 ranked nations globally in the gender inequality index devised by the UN Development Programme.
Under her directives, the council will seek to promote partnerships between the private and public sector to increase female participation.
The UAE government has helped to enhance the role of women in the UAE, which has supported the narrowing of the gender gap and guaranteed women and men equal opportunities in all sectors, according to Mona Al Marri, vice president of the UAE Gender Balance Council.
