HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed: The role of women in building society and the country is a pivotal factor without which we cannot achieve the objectives of the our nation

Dubai, October 26, 2013: Earlier today, Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, and Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; commended the great efforts of the Government of the United Arab Emirates in support of women and their participation in the labor force; which has been integral in reducing the gender gap within the UAE.  

Her Highness congratulated the UAE government for achieving the prestigious title of 'World's Number 1' in women's education, as well as first ranking in the MENA region for reducing the gender gap - according to the Gender Gap International Index of the World Economic Forum, that was released yesterday. The index was based on the analysis of four factors, namely: the quality of education, economic contributions, political contribution, and equality in health care. 

On this occasion, Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid praised the support and encouragement offered to Emirati women. She said, "The continued efforts of the Government of the UAE to support women and overcome any challenges that may face women in their career, thereby giving them the chance to actively participate in the overall development process taking place in the country. All of these factors have contributed to the great achievements and rapid progress made in the field of education and reducing the gender gap in the country."

"Through the efforts of institutions like the General Women's Union and the Dubai Women Establishment, our wise leadership has built the ideal conditions for the empowerment of our women, through the implementation of policies and concepts that have contributed to raising the status of women, which helped her to succeed in various sectors."

Her Highness also expressed her gratitude and praise for the decision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai, for the compulsory representation of women in all corporate boards and government bodies in the country; which confirmed that women in the UAE have important roles and play a direct role in the decision-making process.

Her Highness also highlighted the efforts of the Mother of UAE, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Higher President of Family Development Foundation; who has played a leading role in the support of the women's movement in the UAE. She stressed that DWE will continue their efforts to empower Emirati women and enhance their leading role in the economic and social life in the UAE.

The main initiatives of the Dubai Women Establishment include providing continuous training opportunities and skills development of working Emirati women, and highlighting their active role in society and to encourage and support the participation of women in the professional and social fields. DWE has also expanded research and statistical studies in order to identify the professional conditions of Emirati women, and to propose recommendations of women policies and submit them to the government as solutions to support the empowerment of women, in order to play a greater role on locally and globally.

DWE was also proactive in developing and implementing the National Corporate Childcare Project and in issuing of the national childcare standards which enhances the balance between family life and work for women, in addition to issuing THE Arab Women Leadership Outlook Report, and the UAE Women's Index Report. 

For more information, please contact
Samar al-Marri
DWE
Phone: +97144069010
E-mail: Samar.AlMarri@dwe.gov.ae 

© Press Release 2013