Empowering women to become a driving force in UAE society

Dubai: Contributing to policy-making and legislation that will enhance Emirati women's role in society is at the core of the Dubai Women's Establishment's strategy for 2008 to 2012.

The strategy, which contains a five-pronged approach, aims to enhance their role to become a major driving force behind the future and growth of the UAE.

It aims at finding a balance between work and home life, provide continuous opportunities for women in training and work, nurture future leaders and enhance the image of UAE national women.

The Dubai Women's Establishment's strategy (DWE) was formed in 2006 by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and is headed by Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The strategy focuses on the adoption of national development policies to increase Emirati women's contributions to the economy, the launching of national programmes that help these women reach leadership positions as well as introducing economic policies to enable them to work from home.

One of the real problems facing Emirati women in their careers is balancing work and family life, therefore another main objective of the establishment will be to pave the road for women's participation and progression at work; providing women with more "quality" opportunities in order to contribute to the UAE's growth while maintaining a balance between work and family.

Remove barriers

The targets behind this objective are new policies and support services which remove barriers towards women's progression and growth in the workplace, increasing UAE national women's representation in the private sector and an increase in the number of women returning to work after starting a family.

Another aspect that will be looked at is ways in which continuous opportunities for women in training and work are to be provided with the target of creating a highly-skilled workforce, increasing the number of women in decision-making roles and increasing confidence and self-awareness of UAE national women.

Another element that the strategy is shedding light on is to nurture future leaders and develop potential women leaders to represent the UAE. It also aims to enhance the image of UAE national women through promoting their advanced status and their impact on the economy and decision-making.

The targets behind this objective are increased acknowledgment of the contributions and accomplishments of women, improved visibility of role models and mentors and increased inspiration and motivation to encourage women to reach their full potential.

Among the women recognised to have participated in the emirate's development are Azzah Al Sharhan, who is currently the director of the Emirates National Development Programme, and UAE Federal National Council member Najla Al Awadi.

"The Establishment's objective is to help women tap opportunities in all domains while seeking new horizons. Our annual agenda includes a series of qualitative initiatives focusing on training and imparting special skills. Through our programmes, we support women in their commitment towards personal development, while providing an encouraging environment to drive their contribution to the society at large," said Mona Al Merri, Chairperson of the Dubai Women's Establishment.