Latest news with #GenderBalanceCouncil
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
UAE Cabinet issues resolution reorganising UAE Gender Balance Council
DUBAI - Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Cabinet has approved a resolution to reorganise the UAE Gender Balance Council. This step reinforces the UAE's steadfast commitment to enhancing the participation of all community segments in the nation's development journey, promoting equal opportunities, and solidifying its global standing as a model for gender balance. The resolution aims to expand the Council's scope and strengthen its strategic roles by developing supportive legislative and regulatory frameworks to advance gender balance across government and private sectors. This aligns with the UAE's forward-looking vision and boosts its position in relevant global indices. The Council's objectives include achieving gender balance and equal opportunities across all sectors in the UAE, supporting men and women's contributions to sustainable development, and ensuring harmony with national priorities related to family, motherhood, and community. It also seeks to position the UAE as a global role model for gender equality while enhancing coordination among federal and concerned entities to create an enabling environment. Reporting directly to the Cabinet, the Council's key mandates include proposing and reviewing policies, legislation, and strategies to promote gender balance, coordinating with relevant authorities for approval and implementation, and monitoring global reports to suggest improvements. It will also develop mechanisms to measure progress, establish a comprehensive national database, conduct specialised studies on regional and international trends, and represent the UAE in relevant regional and international organizations and events. The UAE Cabinet has also approved the restructuring of the UAE Gender Balance Council, chaired by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the membership of Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President; Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy; Omar Obaid Mohammed Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Huda Al Hashimi, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs; Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women's Union; Reem Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood; Faisal Saeed bin Butti Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources; Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre; Khalid Abdulrahim Al Harmoodi, Assistant Secretary General for Cabinet Affairs Support; Hessa Abdulrahman Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Community Development; in addition to Ahmed Yousef Al Nasser - Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Market Policies at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, expressed her gratitude to the wise leadership for prioritising gender balance as a national goal and a key pillar of sustainable development. She noted that this steadfast support has elevated the UAE to a leading position globally in this critical area, making the Emirati model a benchmark for others regionally and worldwide. She stressed that the UAE Gender Balance Council will redouble its efforts, working closely with government and private sector partners to fulfill the vision of the wise leadership, aiming to position the UAE as a global leader across all fields. She commended the united teamwork over the years, which has driven the nation to its current world-class standing. Sheikha Manal also highlighted the outstanding achievements of Emirati women across diverse sectors, including science and life sciences, demonstrating their capability and honoring the trust placed in them by the leadership. Her Highness emphasised women's vital role in the UAE's progress and global competitiveness, adding that the country provides ample opportunities for women to continue this success and represent the nation proudly on the international stage. She extended her thanks to the previous members of the UAE Gender Balance Council for their significant contributions, which boosted the UAE's global competitiveness. She congratulated the new members, confident that their varied expertise will strengthen the Council's leadership in achieving further successes aligned with the UAE's vision for growth, prosperity, and global excellence. She added that the Council will continue collaborating with all relevant entities to develop supportive policies and regulations for gender balance in both public and private sectors, in line with the UAE Government's directives and future aspirations. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, highlighted that the UAE's outstanding progress in gender balance has inspired nations across the region and the world. Al Marri stressed that with determination and dedication, the UAE has shown that excellence and global leadership are within reach in any field. She affirmed that, under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Council will strive to position the UAE as a global leader in sharing best practices for gender equality. Mona Al Marri also pointed out that the Cabinet's resolution, led by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to reorganise the UAE Gender Balance Council will strengthen its strategic role and will deepen efforts to promote gender balance as a core principle in both government and private sectors, reflecting the UAE's focus on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities across all levels. Al Marri noted that the nation's commitment to advancing women's rights and gender equality through innovative laws and policies has significantly improved its global competitiveness rankings.
Emirates 24/7
25-04-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
UAE Gender Balance Council joins BRICS Women's Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Brazil
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, Her Highness 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. Her Highness 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.' Her Highness 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, Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum 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.' Distinguished Emirati Achievements Her Highness expressed deep pride in the UAE's remarkable milestones in advancing women's economic empowerment—milestones made possible through the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and the encouragement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, 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. Her Highness 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. Council Participation The United Arab Emirates participated actively in the BRICS Women's Affairs Ministerial Meeting, with the participation of Her Excellency 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: Her Excellency Esther Duque, Minister of Administration and Innovation in Public Services; Her Excellency Anielle Franco, Minister of Racial Equality; and Her Excellency 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. Entrepreneurship In the "Women, Development, and Entrepreneurship" session, Her Excellency 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 Her Excellency Mona 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. She highlighted initiatives like the SWAN programme launched by Khalifa Fund, which trains Emirati women Entrepreneurs, and the SDG 5 Pledge, which promote leadership opportunities and business growth for women across sectors. She called on BRICS nations to expand mentorship networks and create cross-border platforms for women entrepreneurs. Digital Governance Speaking on 'Digital Governance and Misogyny,' Mona Al Marri stressed the need for inclusive and ethical digital spaces. Women thrive in STEM fields in the UAE, making up 56% of STEM graduates and 80% of the Mars Mission science team. She noted strong UAE legislation against online abuse while highlighting the UAE's pioneering efforts in protecting women online, stating, 'We've enacted strong laws to combat cyber harassment, hate speech, and misinformation. But we must go further and work together internationally to create safer, more inclusive digital spaces.' The UAE works closely with tech platforms to raise global standards and empower women in the digital economy. Climate Action Her Excellency Mona Al Marri emphasised women's growing role in UAE climate leadership in the climate session. At COP28, women held two-thirds of the UAE delegation's leadership roles. Women now make up 30% of the energy workforce. She spotlighted the UAE's international initiatives, like the Climate Change and Gender Equality Initiative with UN Women. She encouraged BRICS countries to share strategies, invest in green skills, and support women-led climate innovation. For her part, Her Excellency Aparecida Gonçalves, highlighted the UAE's exemplary achievements in promoting gender balance and recognised its advanced standing on the global stage in this field. She described the UAE as a pioneering model whose experience offers valuable lessons for the international community. She expressed her strong desire to deepen collaboration with the UAE Gender Balance Council to help advance shared global goals for equality and empowerment. Bilateral Meetings On the sidelines of the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Women's Affairs, Her Excellency Mona Al Marri met with Her Excellency Aparecida Gonçalves, Brazil's Minister of Women. The meeting focused on exploring avenues for cooperation and exchanging expertise in gender balance.** Her Excellency Mona Al Marri extended her appreciation to Brazil for its warm hospitality and the well-organized hosting of the meeting. She also commended the agenda's comprehensive topics, which reflect Brazil's commitment to enhancing collaboration among BRICS nations in advancing gender balance. For her part, Her Excellency Aparecida Gonçalves praised the UAE's pioneering achievements in gender balance and its globally recognised leadership in this area. She described the UAE as a model to be emulated and expressed a keen interest in strengthening cooperation with the UAE Gender Balance Council to help accelerate international progress in this field. During the visit, His Excellency Saleh Ahmed Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil, welcomed Her Excellency Mona Al Marri in the presence of Her Excellency Mouza Mohammed Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, and Maitha Al Hashimi, Director of Strategic Studies and Legislation. His Excellency Saleh Al Suwaidi commended the Council's active engagement in this prominent international platform and its role in reinforcing the UAE's global standing in competitiveness indicators. Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, in turn, commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its pivotal role in highlighting the country's achievements in gender balance at global forums and thanked the UAE Embassy in Brazil for supporting the Council's participation in this significant event. Her Excellency Mouza emphasised that the BRICS Ministerial Meeting was a crucial platform for exchanging ideas on key areas such as entrepreneurship, digital governance, and climate action. She highlighted that BRICS nations have a unique chance to lead by example, fostering cross-border opportunities and building integrated systems that empower women entrepreneurs. She stressed that actual progress means enabling women to participate in the economy and shape and sustain its future transformation. The UAE's active participation in the BRICS Women's Affairs Ministerial Meeting reflects its unwavering commitment to advancing gender balance globally. Through visionary leadership, progressive policies, and transformative initiatives, the UAE continues to empower women across key sectors from entrepreneurship and climate action to digital innovation and governance. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
