Opinion | Columnists
Empowering women through development
In only 37 years as a nation, the UAE has shattered myths about what is and is not permissible for or achievable by Arab and Muslim women.
- By Najla Al Awadhi, Special to Gulf News
- Published: 23:25 December 2, 2008
- Image Credit: Illustration: Luis Vazquez/Gulf News
When I decided to write this article about us, Emirati women, I was very conscious to make sure I start it out by clarifying a point - the point being that I don't like talking about the empowerment of women. I'm not a feminist. I don't believe in the parameters of the current dialogue on "gender" equity, or its traditional rhetoric and approaches.
When we talk about empowerment and equity in our societies, these issues are directly related to the heart of our development as nations, because empowerment and equity are at the core of sustainable development. The fundamental factor in sustainability is the maximisation and complete empowerment of all human capital, regardless of gender.
Maximisation of human capital and human development is especially critical in our society, because we, as Emiratis, are a minority in our own country. So, we cannot afford to overlook the capital of half of our Emirati nationals, who happen to be women.
So, I want you to view the issue of the status of women in the context of human rights, in the context of human development and in the context of sustainable development.
When we learn to see beyond gender, when we learn to see women as human beings first, when we focus on our common humanity, we begin to turn a new page in the archaic discourse on "gender equity and women's empowerment."
A historical view
Historically, women in both Eastern and Western societies were viewed as the weaker sex and this view translated into subjugation placed women in the category of a lesser being.
Today, the state of women has evolved disparately across our continents, but it goes without saying that we still do not live in a world that sees beyond gender.
In only 37 years as a nation, we have shattered myths about what is and is not permissible or achievable for Arab and Muslim women.
Today, we have the third highest percentage of women parliamentarians in the world. We have female ambassadors, ministers and a judge. We also have the highest rate of female university graduates in the Arab world.
The development of the role of women is part of Islamic heritage and in the UAE is part of our federal strategy.
The opportunities granted to Emirati women has meant access to higher education, employment opportunities and political office. All of these developments have impacted our society in many ways.
Firstly, the integration of women into our labour force has meant less dependence on foreign labour, because now that these Emirati women can take over jobs, there is less dependence on foreign labour, creating greater balance in our demographics.
The integration of women has also widened the intellectual pool in social, political and economic debate.
Not to mention that the appointment of women in administrative posts has shattered myths that the domain of politics and leadership in public sphere is purely for men.
We have made great strides, but for the vision we have for this nation, we also are aware that there are challenges.
Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, a renowned UAE political scientist, said "the appointment of women as judges, ambassadors, parliamentarians does not mean equality has been achieved. There are still prejudices in women's personal, daily and family life.
In addition, a recent study by the World Economic Forum on gender equity for 2008 showed our country ranking at 105 out of 130 in terms of women's access to political empowerment, education, economic opportunities and health care.
The next step
We have to work through government policies and through legislation to develop more equitable labour laws, and personal status laws.
We must embark on awareness campaigns which target homes and families, to discuss how to balance between work and home life and to discuss the role of a husband in being a true partner to his wife.
What we do today will dictate the type of world we will leave behind us. For myself, it has never been about equality between men and women. I don't believe in equality, because men and women are fundamentally different, but what I believe in is justice.
This is why when we discuss the development of the role of women, we should understand we are talking about human rights and sustainable human development.
Najla Al Awadhi is a member of the Federal National Council, deputy CEO Dubai Media Incorporated and General Manager of Dubai One TV.
Your comments
I just want to praise our women and would like to make it clear that we have been blessed with the role of women in our society, I think Emirati women are role models. One can only thank God and our great leadership that has blessed us with being UAE nationals.
Khalifa Bin Khadim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 03, 2008, 10:48
The credit goes to the rulers of UAE who have the vision and foresight to see the importance of investing and empowering women in all walks of life and also on the part of UAE nationals who have accepted and allowed change in the role of women.
Arif Mohiuddin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 03, 2008, 09:29
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