UAE Celebrates International Women’s Day With Focus On Women's Empowerment And Achievements

On 8th March, the UAE marks International Women’s Day, celebrating its ongoing commitment to empowering Emirati women. The nation has made significant strides in this area, contributing to sustainable development. Women's issues are a priority for UAE leadership, recognising their vital role in overcoming challenges and achieving comprehensive growth.

The UAE's progress is evident as it ranks seventh globally and first regionally in the 2024 Gender Inequality Index by the United Nations Development Programme. This achievement highlights the country's dedication to gender equality. Emirati women have been pivotal in various fields, contributing significantly to national achievements over recent years.

Women's representation in government has improved with Sana bint Mohammed Suhail's appointment as Minister of Family. This follows the creation of the Ministry of Family, furthering women's involvement in governance. Additionally, the National Policy for the Promotion of Women's Health was introduced to ensure comprehensive healthcare services for women throughout their lives.

The Ministry of Economy has mandated that private joint-stock companies allocate at least one board seat to women after current terms end. This decision aims to enhance women's roles in economic development. A cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Economy and the General Women’s Union supports women's economic empowerment, positioning the UAE as a global leader in this area.

The General Women’s Union launched the second cohort of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme. This initiative targets young women and aspiring female entrepreneurs, aiding those with existing businesses to develop their projects further. Since its founding, the UAE has seen significant transformations for Emirati women, including increased Cabinet representation and equal pay with men.

Women now hold half of the Federal National Council seats and have advanced globally in gender balance rankings. They participate actively in strategic sectors like space and clean energy and can voluntarily join national service. The UAE appointed its first female judge and two female prosecutors in Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

International Initiatives and Contributions

This year’s International Women’s Day coincides with new initiatives aimed at advancing women's status globally. The UAE's pioneering efforts have gained international recognition, influencing historic initiatives like a UN Human Rights Council resolution on girls' education co-authored with the UK in October 2023.

The UAE has served on UN Women's Executive Board twice: from 2013-2019 and 2023-2025, presiding over it in 2017. It has contributed over $46 million to UN Women, making it a leading donor globally and regionally. These contributions underscore its commitment to supporting women's empowerment worldwide.

Peace, Security, and Global Conventions

During its 2022-2023 tenure on the UN Security Council, women's empowerment in peace and security was a top priority for the UAE. The country emphasised women's roles in conflict prevention, resolution, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding as part of its foreign policy strategy.

In partnership with UN Women, the UAE launched H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Women, Peace, and Security in 2019. This initiative has trained hundreds of female cadets from regions like Africa and Asia to enhance women's participation in security sectors effectively.

The UAE is also part of several international conventions focused on women's rights protection: CEDAW since 2004; Hours of Work (Industry) Convention since 1982; Forced Labour Convention since 1982; Labour Inspection Convention since 1982. These efforts highlight its dedication to uplifting Emirati women while inspiring positive global impacts.

With inputs from WAM