Second PAM Women Parliamentary Forum Opens In Abu Dhabi To Empower Women

The second edition of the Women Parliamentary Forum of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean opened in Abu Dhabi, bringing together regional and international legislators to discuss women’s empowerment, peace and development. The gathering focuses on how stronger roles for women in public life support social cohesion from the Gulf to Mediterranean countries.

The two-day Women Parliamentary Forum is hosted by the UAE and organised by the Federal National Council at its headquarters. Around 200 participants are attending, including speakers of parliaments, parliamentary delegations, members, and representatives of regional and international organisations and bodies, reflecting broad institutional interest in women’s political participation.

The forum is being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the "Mother of the Nation", who is Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, highlighting sustained high-level backing for women’s issues in the UAE.

Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, said that holding the Women Parliamentary Forum in Abu Dhabi reflects the values on which the UAE was established, and shows a consistent commitment to supporting women as partners in decision-making and public policy. Ghobash extended thanks and appreciation to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her generous patronage.

Ghobash explained that the second session of the Women Parliamentary Forum has a deeper role than organisational arrangements, because it mirrors a national vision that sees women as central to family stability and to a sustainable future. Ghobash noted that the UAE relies on comprehensive legislation and institutions that helped women reach leadership positions and equal representation with men in the Federal National Council.

Maryam bin Theneya, Second Deputy Speaker of the Federal National Council and Chairperson of the current second session of the Women Parliamentary Forum, welcomed attendees and said that holding the forum under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak reflects the UAE approach of making women’s empowerment a main element of its overall development plans and long-term vision.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, stated that women’s empowerment in the UAE is a state-led process built on an integrated system, not isolated or temporary initiatives. Al Marri added that parliaments play a pivotal role by turning values into legislation, and legislation into practical, measurable outcomes that affect communities.

Speakers of parliaments and representatives of international and Arab parliamentary organisations used their addresses at the Women Parliamentary Forum to praise the UAE experience in supporting women. They agreed that empowering women is a core requirement for achieving peace, stability and sustainable development across states worldwide, and underlined the relevance of this message for Gulf and Mediterranean societies.

The second edition of the Women Parliamentary Forum in Abu Dhabi demonstrates how the UAE links national policy, parliamentary work and international cooperation around women’s empowerment. With senior leaders, legislators and experts present, the discussions are expected to reinforce shared approaches to inclusive societies and to highlight the UAE’s current framework for gender balance.

With inputs from WAM