Two years back, on August 28, 2015, the UAE first marked the Emirati Women’s Day and in doing so instituted an occasion that is a culmination of the country’s vision and ambition for its women. As the foundation for the UAE’s development was laid in 1971, an integral aspect of its underpinning was the role Emirati women would play to take their country forward in all aspects.
By according them equal rights in the Constitution and envisioning policies that would enable Emirati women to be fully empowered individuals seeking their highest potential, personal and professional, the Rulers of UAE have nurtured an exceptionally progressive environment for them that has delivered results validating the UAE’s regional and international status as a path-maker.
What’s germane to the efficacy of UAE’s policies for Emirati women is that they adhere to the highest degree of implementation. Over the four decades of national goal-setting, the numbers notched up by Emirati women’s spirit and enterprise attest to their commitment to the task of nation-building across the spectrum: Eight women ministers represent one third of the seats in the Federal National Council, more than 23,000 Emirati businesswomen have a collective investment of over $10 billion (Dh36.7 billion), 47 per cent of the leadership and supervisory positions in the country are held by them as are 61 per cent of administrative jobs, 72 per cent of jobs in the health sector, 69 per cent in the education sector, 13 per cent in the judiciary, 29 per cent in the diplomatic corps and 23 per cent in specialised professional positions, according to the federal authority.
In an apex development, in 2015, the UAE elected a woman to head the FNC, a first for the country, for Arab women and for the region, and in 2014, the UAE took the leading international position in the Women’s Respect Index. These are all signposts of the road well taken, based on an understanding and acknowledgement of an ancient historical truth —that women are equal partners in progress. Many countries, despite centuries or decades of development, have remained ineffectual in fully establishing its merit but the UAE has succeeded due to its unflinching determination to overcome that predicament.
With the National Strategy for the Empowerment and Leadership of Women in the UAE 2015-2021 finding its momentum, Emirati women will continue to lead, inspire and participate in all spheres of UAE’s march to greater glories and sustainable development.
