FNC presses for workplace that attracts, retains women

Abu Dhabi: The UAE provides Emirati workers with equal pay and benefits regardless of their gender and creates a workplace that is more supportive of women, a top official told the Federal National Council yesterday (Tuesday).

“Unlimited combined maternity and other leave, breastfeeding breaks for four months following maternity leave and an air ticket for a companion during any working trip abroad are among the perks included in the HR laws,” Humaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education and chairman of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, said.

Al Qutami added that laws also provide for child allowances for women with unemployed husbands, 60 per cent of housing accommodation for single mums and four months’ leave with full pay for women in the event of the death of the husband.

Other perks, he said, include part-time jobs and equal treatment as citizens for children of Emirati women married to foreigners.

Al Qutami was responding to requests from a member of the Federal National Council to create a workplace culture that attracts, retains and promotes women in the public sector.

Ali Eisa Al Nuaimi, a member from Ajman, put a question about efforts to attract, retain and promote women in the public sector.

Al Nuaimi said with women accounting for more than 65 per cent of the Emirati workforce in the federal government and 75 per cent in the education and the health sectors, there is a growing need for a workplace culture that is inclusive of women to help them reach their fullest potential, which benefits the country as a whole, both socially and economically.

With a study on working women in the public sector issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources as a backdrop, Al Nuaimi urged that its findings be translated into national policies that support working women and their families. “These policies can reduce work-family conflict and reduce reliance on domestic helpers who may negatively affect the culture, identity, language and values of our children.”

Al Nuaimi added revising retirement age and maternity leave laws, part-time and flexi-time employment options and better compensation were among the key issues women in the public sector found needed attention.

The study which surveyed 7,876 working women in the federal government, showed that over 72 per cent of working women prefer the option of part-time jobs so that they can dedicate adequate time to their children and families. In addition, 60 per cent of married mothers with children less than five years of age look for flexible working hours as a viable option.

Al Nuaimi quoted a study that blamed nearly 16 per cent of divorces on women working and demanded that maternity leave be increased, more part-time jobs be offered to women and cutting to 15 years the service that entitles women to a pension.