for women FNC candidatesAbu Dhabi, Dec. 4th, 2006 (WAM) - Under the directives of H.H.

Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation and Presidentof the UAE General Women's Union (GWU) and in collaboration withthe National Election Committee (NEC), a seminar on capacitybuilding for the women candidates in the Federal National Council(FNC) elections was held yesterday (Monday) at the Women's Unionoffice in Abu Dhabi.

Organised by the GWU and NEC, the seminar was divided into threemain sessions. The first session saw candidates gaining valuableinsight into the personal experiences of two prominent Omaniwomen parliamentarians. The second session highlighted the importanceof women's participation in the election culture and politicalparticipation process. The attendance then discussed all majorissues addressed at earlier FNC meetings to familiarize the womencandidates with the work of the FNC and its future role in theUAE.

Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and Headof the NEC, said: "Women participation in the FNC electionscomplements their important contribution to the development ofthe UAE. The final candidates list includes include a significantnumber of women nominees, a fact that highlights the interestof UAE national women to be part of modernizing our politicalinstitutions and support the development of the country."Dr. Gargash added: "The upcoming FNC elections are a naturalprogression following the UAE's success in social, economic andcultural field. This election is the first phase of the 3-stepprocess, outlined by, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed AlNahyan, the UAE President, will gradually usher in people's participationto activate and empower the FNC as an effective body reflectingthe needs and aspirations of the citizens." Noura Al Suwaidi, Director General of GWU said: "Her HighnessSheikha Fatima's call for women to enter the FNC will soon translateinto reality with the upcoming elections. The GWU endeavors tosupport all the female candidates and will ensure that genderissues are highlighted in the country's policies and strategies".

The General Women's Union was founded in 1975 under the presidencyof Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak to support and advocatethe organization of women's movement in the United Arab Emirates.