Dubai: The Federal Human Resources Authority yesterday launched a questionnaire for women working in federal bodies on job satisfaction and suggestions to improve the work place.

"We created a balanced questionnaire that takes into consideration three parties, working women, vocational and medical specialists and senior officials, who represent employers," Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awar, Director General of the Authority, said.

"All women working in federal bodies are invited to log on to the authority's website, www.fahr.gov.ae, and answer the questions. The more replies we receive, the better understanding we have of women's needs," he said.

Al Awar pointed out that women's contributions to the job market in the UAE are enormous, especially in federal and local government bodies, with over 20,000 women making up more than 60 per cent of the working force in civil (non-military) positions.

"The questionnaire tackles many important issues relevant to women's work, such as legislation, promotion and career development, leave, retirement and end of service, work environment as well as social and economic initiatives and achieving a balance between family responsibilities and work," said Mariam Mohammad Al Abbar, Executive Manager of the Programmes and Human Resources Planning Sector.

The questionnaire will be available online until March 8, Al Awar said, adding that the cut-off date coincides with International Women's Day, after which the results will be studied and analysed. "Conclusions and recommendations will then be submitted to the federal legislative authorities," he said.

"The questionnaire has two parts, one is multiple choice questions and the other is suggestions and recommendations, and we need the participation of as many women as possible because the questionnaire will not achieve its goals without their input. We also guarantee confidentiality to all participants, and that all information provided will be solely used for the purpose of this study" Aisha Al Suwaidi, Director of HR Planning Department, said.

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Women working in federal bodies are invited to log on to the authority's website, www.fahr.gov.ae, and answer the questions.