UAE Gender Balance Council Advances Women's Empowerment At UN And GCC Meetings

The UAE Gender Balance Council recently marked its presence at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, showcasing the UAE's dedication to enhancing gender equality on a global scale. Directed by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this initiative aligns with the UAE's efforts to bolster international partnerships and further the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on Goal 5, aimed at empowering women and girls.

Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, represented the council at the UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting. She underscored the UAE's commitment to utilizing the international framework for women, peace, and security. Al Marri emphasized the significance of integrating these frameworks with the Sustainable Development Goals and shed light on the UAE's strides in executing the 2030 plan nationally.

Furthermore, during a high-level session sponsored by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on women's empowerment in the GCC region, Al Marri lauded H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's pivotal role in driving women's empowerment in the UAE. She also discussed the council's notable achievements and initiatives, including efforts to curb gender-based violence and promote gender balance amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Al Marri highlighted the UAE's dedication to supporting and empowering women, especially those most vulnerable. She pointed out national programs and initiatives aimed at providing equal opportunities for women and girls in education, employment, and beyond. The collaboration between the UAE Gender Balance Council and various government and private entities to develop gender balance strategies was also underscored.

In a significant meeting with Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, Al Marri discussed ways to enhance gender balance and tackle challenges hindering women's empowerment to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5.

The active participation of the UAE Gender Balance Council in these meetings underscores the UAE's unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality both locally and internationally. Through implementing the 2030 plan, developing policies against gender-based violence, and fostering gender balance across different sectors, the council is making substantial contributions towards women's empowerment in the UAE. These meetings also served as a valuable platform for exchanging expertise and experiences with other nations and organizations.

With inputs from WAM