ABU DHABI: One of the numerous signs of female empowerment in the UAE is to be seen in the number of judges in Abu Dhabi courts — 11 judges are women, with a total female presence in the judiciary of 592.
Such a visible presence of women results in a host of positive outcomes as during criminal investigations, family disputes and children’s cases, female prosecutors play an invaluable role in gathering information as well leading to reconciliation among warring parties.
The presence of female staff in the family prosecution departments of the court helps in a speedier resolution of family disputes and also helps in reducing the number of dispute cases through family guidance departments, Ateqa Al Khatheeri, Director of Family Prosecution of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department told Gulf News.
“The presence of women in the court’s Family Prosecution is very important. Women officers are particularly required in most of the specialised cases pertaining to women and children,” said Al Khatheeri.
A total of 592 female staff are currently working with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi including Al Ain and Al Dhafrah courts. Of these, 62 women hold leading positions in the court, 17 are members of a judicial authority, seven are assistance counsellors and lawyers, seven administrative directors and 29 women are directors of sections at the court.
On the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day, which is celebrated on August 28 every year, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department held a press conference, titled ‘Empowering Women in Judicial Departments’ on its premises to highlight role of the women in society and courts.
Her Highness Shaikh Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in 2015, announced August 28 as Emirati Women’s Day that celebrates the establishment of the General Women’s Union on August 28, 1975.
Shaikha Fatima said that men and women both have roles to play [in society] and there should be a balance when and wherever required.
Cases the Family Prosecution department receives include family disputes, inheritance and child-related cases under the Wudeema Law, the UAE’s Child Protection Law, and the presence of women officers makes a big difference for families.
“In the presence of mothers, sisters, daughters and other family members, women of the family feel more comfortable during an investigation when a female member of the prosecution interacts with them,” said Al Khatheeri.
She said that families always desire to resolve their disputes, receive legal support and advice from female counsellors.
“The judicial department has given plenty of responsibilities to female staff of the court and they are executing their duties in various fields like investigation, prosecution, pronouncing judgements and jails,” said Al Khatheeri.
In 2016, a landmark rule was passed by the government of Abu Dhabi which stated that any man or woman could hold the position of judge. Earlier, only men were allowed this privilege.
Speaking to Gulf News on sidelines of the press conference, Al Khatheeri said, “There are females judges now in financial, inheritance, civil, personal affairs and criminal courts.
“There is no legal restriction for women in holding a judge’s position,” she said, adding there are around 11 female judges in the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s courts in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi including Al Ain and Al Gharbiah.
Mariam Al Bareiky, head of media coordination department at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, said: “The role of women is very important in society matters and in the court. In cases of children involved in crimes, women court staff have the capacity to befriend them with ease obtain the relevant information and counsel.”
“Now more and more women staff are required at the court and women should come forward to take up the judicial profession,” she said.
Women power at courts
592: Female staff at Abu Dhabi Judicial Department in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi including Al Ain and Al Dhafrah.
62 women occupy leading positions
17 members of a judicial authority
7 assistance counsellors and lawyers
7 administrative directors
29 directors of sections
11 judges
Martyrs’ mothers
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has congratulated mothers of UAE martyrs on the Emirati Women’s Day.
Addressing martyrs’ mothers, Shaikh Mohammad said: “Our mothers of martyrs are the backbone of the nation, which makes it stronger, prouder and more glorious.”
“With the values of loyalty, sacrifice and giving that you instilled in our citizens, we will move forward with the nation’s blessed march towards the bright future with God’s will,” Shaikh Mohammad said in an SMS to mothers of martyrs.
“You have brought up men and heroes, and we are all your sons. You will remain a symbol deeply entrenched in the memories and conscience of generations to come. We are immensely proud of you and your sacrifices. You will always be held in high regard and remain a source of pride for us and the entire nation.”
Fatima hails contributions of women for betterment of community
Emirati Women’s Day aims to honour women, recognise their efforts and central role in the community, as well as their contributions to the UAE’s development journey, said Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
Shaikha Fatima said that first and foremost, the Emirati women who must be congratulated on this occasion are the mothers, wives and children of Emirati martyrs, who through their losses have displayed the most noble values of giving. Speaking of the families of the martyrs, Shaikha Fatima said: “I deeply appreciate them for their precious sacrifices for the sake of the UAE and its citizens. “You are the symbol of the homeland that dwells in us,” she said.
She added, “We derive strength and determination from you, and have great pride in you. You are the crowning glory of the sons of the homeland with your great sacrifices.”
“We will always be proud of you in the eyes of the world for that which you have presented to your country, which enhances your prestigious positions and standing among all nations. Hoping you and the homeland will be always good and fine,” she added.
In a speech at Bab Al Qasr Hotel, during an event marking Emirati Women’s Day, Shaikha Fatima said that the UAE leadership deserves recognition for supporting women. She praised the leadership embodying values of giving that were instilled by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to support and empower women in all fields of work, so that they can be successful and achieve the highest ranks.
Shaikha Fatima said that Emirati Women’s Day is a reflection of the UAE leadership’s sincere appreciation for all the efforts she exerts for herself, her family, community and nation.
Also speaking on the occasion was Dr Moza Al Shehi, Director of the UN Women’s Communication Office in Abu Dhabi, who said that the UAE’s reputation and the respect that the country and its leadership have garnered on an international level is clear for all to see.
Later, children performed an operetta dedicated to Shaikha Fatima.
