UAE Achieves Seventh Place Globally In 2024 UNDP Gender Inequality Index

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has achieved a notable milestone in gender balance, securing the seventh position globally in the Gender Inequality Index 2024, as reported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This significant leap from 49th place in 2015 to 11th in 2022, and now seventh, underscores the nation's dedicated efforts towards gender equality. The announcement came during the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York, with the UAE Gender Balance Council playing a pivotal role.

Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, credited this achievement to the visionary leadership of the UAE and the unwavering support from Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union. The concerted efforts between state departments and the private sector were highlighted as key factors contributing to this success. Sheikha Manal also acknowledged Sheikha Fatima's instrumental role in advancing women's empowerment through various national programs and initiatives.

Empowering women and providing them with opportunities for success has been a priority for the UAE. Emirati women are now prominent figures in vital sectors, contributing significantly to the nation's development and its aspirations for global leadership. The UAE government's commitment to supporting women has been a source of national pride, with Emirati women playing a tangible and influential role in the country's progress.

The UAE Gender Balance Council is committed to expanding its global partnerships to further promote its achievements in gender balance both regionally and globally. Participation in international forums like the Commission on the Status of Women's meetings is a key strategy for forging partnerships and sharing best practices in empowering women and achieving gender balance.

This year's session focuses on accelerating gender equality and empowering all women and girls by addressing poverty, strengthening institutions, and financing with a gender perspective. During the session, Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, met with Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office at the UNDP. Their discussion revolved around potential cooperation and insights into the Human Development Report for 2024. Conceição lauded the UAE's progress in gender balance as exemplary, praising its leadership vision, political determination, and commitment to development, progress, and social and economic prosperity.

The UAE's ascent to seventh place globally in the Gender Inequality Index 2024 is a testament to its successful promotion of gender balance. The leadership's support, collaboration between state departments and the private sector, and Sheikha Fatima's advocacy for women's empowerment have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. The UAE Gender Balance Council continues to engage in international forums to strengthen global partnerships and showcase the nation's achievements in gender balance and women's empowerment.

With inputs from WAM