The United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Women’s Affairs today, focusing on the theme "Women, Governance, and Leadership."
Represented by the Gender Balance Council, the UAE delegation was led by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, who underscored the nation's achievements in promoting women's leadership and integrating gender balance into sustainable development strategies.
H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, reiterated the UAE's commitment to global collaboration for gender balance. She emphasized that gender equality is central to the UAE's national vision and aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5.
In her address, Al Marri expressed gratitude to the Russian Federation for hosting the meeting and recognized South Africa for initiating the women's affairs platform. She detailed the UAE's significant strides in female representation, noting that women comprise nearly one-third of the cabinet and over 50% of the Federal National Council. Furthermore, 70% of university graduates and 57% of STEM graduates in the UAE are women.
Highlighting the UAE Gender Balance Council's role, Al Marri explained how the Council advocates for policies that enhance women's participation in leadership across sectors. She mentioned recent legal reforms, including mandates for on-site childcare in government institutions and equal pay for equal work.
Mouza Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, emphasized the importance of international cooperation for advancing gender equality. She called for joint initiatives among countries to foster an environment where women thrive in governance and leadership, aiming for a sustainable future where gender equality is a societal norm.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
