UAE Launches Mother Of The Nation 50:50 Vision To Empower Emirati Women For Future Development
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum have commended the General Women’s Union (GWU) for its achievements over 50 years under H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's leadership. They highlighted the "Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision" as a foundation for Emirati women's future contributions both locally and globally.
The "Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision" aims to empower Emirati women as central partners in the UAE's development journey. It reflects ambitions for women to become global models of influence, aligning with the UAE Centennial 2071 and extending towards 2075. This vision is built on three pillars: family and national identity, governance strategies, and international partnerships.
Education has been crucial in empowering women. In 1975, female illiteracy was at 62%, but by 2024, it dropped to 1.6%. Female students in general education increased from 27,021 in 1975 to 890,341 in 2024. Women now make up 52.6% of university graduates, with many specialising in STEM fields.
Emirati women have also made significant strides in leadership roles. The first female Assistant Undersecretary was appointed in 1984, marking a milestone in policymaking participation. By 2025, women held 42 senior leadership roles across ministries and represented 24% of the UAE Cabinet.
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has received numerous accolades for her efforts supporting women's causes, including recognition from international organisations like the United Nations Population Fund. Her initiatives have expanded globally, supporting women across various sectors such as technical training and sustainable agriculture.
The GWU has played a pivotal role since its inception in empowering women under Sheikha Fatima's leadership. Inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's vision of equal empowerment for men and women, the GWU began as the first official organisation dedicated to women's empowerment in the UAE.
Strategic Frameworks for Women's Empowerment
The "Mother of Nation Vision 50:50" seeks to position the UAE among leading governments shaping women's futures through progressive policies and strategic agreements. It focuses on establishing high-value international partnerships that advance women's empowerment worldwide.
This vision also includes developing a flexible governance framework for women's affairs, ensuring equal opportunities in education and employment while balancing professional roles with family responsibilities.
Celebrating Emirati Women's Achievements
The slogan "Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years of Achievement" marks Emirati Women’s Day on August 28th each year. This celebration aligns with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's announcement designating 2025 as the Year of Community under the theme "Hand in Hand."
Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi expressed pride in GWU's journey over five decades and highlighted that H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s directives have always inspired national efforts to enhance women's roles across all life stages.
The UAE has strengthened its institutional presence by establishing entities like the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and launching funds supporting refugee women and children. These efforts have elevated the UAE’s position across Arab platforms.
Future-Oriented Initiatives
The vision aims to establish national sectoral foresight labs acting as accelerators for addressing challenges faced by women in key industries such as technology, AI, climate change, and energy while steering girls’ education toward future sciences.
Initiatives also focus on strengthening Emirati female leaders' international presence by supporting their participation in global negotiations and launching international platforms from the UAE through forums and summits.
The Heritage and Handicrafts Centre was established to support women artisans while preserving cultural heritage. Over time it has supported thousands of craftswomen financially exceeding AED 200 million.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The National Strategy for Empowerment launched between 2015-2021 formed a comprehensive framework enhancing women's roles across sectors followed by policies extending until 2031 aimed at furthering this progress globally.
This legacy continues with initiatives like Cyber Pulse for Women & Families or agreements empowering African women digitally through ITU collaborations unlocking new opportunities within digital economies worldwide reflecting Sheikha Fatima’s broad vision regionally beyond borders too!
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google