Dubai: The presence of women in politics has been a contentious issue throughout the UAE's history but not any more, Azza Sulaiman Bin Sulaiman said during a session on her election campaign.
"Women's suffrage and the right to vote, stand for election or to be in parliament are only recent phenomena, spanning only as far as four years," she said.
Azza who is working as the Director of Housing in the Ministry of Public Works is a dedicated and hardworking employee, according to her friends.
Despite the loss of her husband and the responsibility of raising two kids, Azza could succeed as an executive women and strong decision maker. But she also has a great persistence to stand as a candidate in the elections to the FNC.
Although women no longer have to fight for political recognition in terms of a vote, equal representation in the political arena should be maintained, she said.
‘No obstacles'
"With a strong will and determination, everyone whether man or women can reach their targets," Azza said.
"I feel there are no obstacles in my way towards parliament. I have enough experience and knowledge to get to my target."
"Women in the UAE have literally blossomed. Their achievements in such a short time have enabled them to take up a wide range of careers and positions in the private and public sector," she added.
Azza said that persistent government support has encouraged women to become teachers, doctors, police and military officers, ministers, CEOs and businesswomen.
"UAE women have advanced to such a degree that they are now ready to play a direct role in the decision making process of the country."
Strong force
Although female political candidates have been a hot topic, there are nine female members in the FNC.
The continued presence of strong women as a political force is testament to the active role woman can play in parliament.
Today, the issue regarding women in politics is to do with how female political candidates are seen and heard.
The public image of female candidates is wrought with stereotypes. Women also do not receive equal representation relative to their male counterparts, according to Azza.
"Women are the ones who can shape their own stereotypes."
"We should not let the public portray our images or to frame our personality but we have to impose our own positive model."
On the other side, Azza said that women in the UAE get a lot of support from men.
The FNC candidate described how she used to work with men who had a different mentality about women but she received a lot of respect and appreciation for her work.
Launch
Under the slogan, ‘Together for our national prosperity', Azza launched her election campaign in an effort to head to parliament.
At the session, which was held in a luxury hotel, Azza received much praise from her colleagues.
She chose the housing issue in the UAE as the focus of her election campaign.
"My academic, technical and work experience in this field will enable me to develop and promote this sector in the UAE once I reach parliament, " Azza said.
