The United Arab Emirates is celebrating on Tuesday the fourth annual “Emirati Women’s Day” to highlight the important role they play in society.
The UAE will celebrate its faith in the importance of the contributions of Emirati women and their role in the country’s development, reported the Emirates news agency WAM.
The country’s constitution supports the participation of Emirati women in decision-making, a core component of economic empowerment.
The UAE government has made the theme "Empowerment of Women and Girls" as one of three areas of action underpinning the country's international aid policy for 2017-2021.
Nine women sit on the Federal National Council for the 16th legislature, representing 22.5 percent of 40 members. Furthermore, women make up 27 percent of the cabinet formed in 2016 which includes nine women ministers, said WAM.
The UAE Gender Balance Council was established in 2015 as a federal agency dedicated to scaling up the UAE's efforts to achieve gender balance across all sectors nationwide, and in decision-making positions.
In the diplomatic field, women currently hold 30 percent of positions in the diplomatic corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which comprised 234 women employees in 2017, including women ambassadors and diplomats representing the UAE abroad.
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, said that celebrating Emirati Women’s Day is an opportunity to appreciate and take pride in the local and international achievements of Emirati women, who have contributed to the progress of the UAE society.
