Emirati women have been instrumental in the UAE’s most notable achievements throughout 2024, a year characterized by their increasing visibility and influence across diverse sectors.
Significant milestones in empowerment
This year has marked several significant milestones that underscore the effectiveness of the UAE’s initiatives aimed at empowering and enhancing the capabilities of Emirati women, WAM reported. Notably, the UAE progressed to the 7th position globally and maintained its status as the leading nation in the region in the UN Gender Equality Index 2024, as reported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
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Government representation and leadership
The representation of women in the UAE government saw an increase with the appointment of Sana bint Mohammed Suhail as Minister of Family, following the establishment of the new ministry.
Advancements in women’s health policies
Additionally, the UAE introduced the National Policy for Improving Women’s Health, designed to create a comprehensive, multi-sectoral framework that ensures women have access to top-tier preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative healthcare throughout their lives.
Promoting economic development
To enhance women’s roles in sustainable economic development, the Ministry of Economy issued a ministerial decision requiring private joint-stock companies in the UAE to reserve at least one seat for women on their boards of directors after the current board’s term concludes. Moreover, this initiative, part of a national strategy for economic empowerment, is set to begin in January 2025 to drive diversity in business leadership.
Collaboration for economic empowerment
In this regard, the UAE Ministry of Economy and the General Women’s Union entered into a cooperation memorandum aimed at improving communication and aligning efforts to promote economic empowerment and drive women’s roles in sustainable economic development.
Strengthening the empowerment agenda
Furthermore, the agreement is intended to advance the economic empowerment agenda and strengthen the role of women in sustainable economic development, which is a hallmark of the UAE’s inspiring model for women’s empowerment.
Supporting women entrepreneurs
This collaboration emphasizes increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs in commercial activities and enhancing their economic contributions both locally and regionally.
Launch of economic empowerment program
The General Women’s Union also launched the second phase of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Program, designed to equip Emirati women with skills across various sectors, particularly in entrepreneurship. The program supports women who are starting or expanding small and medium-sized enterprises.
Partnerships for private sector inclusion
During the annual meetings of the UAE Government in 2024, a partnership was established between the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council and the UAE Gender Balance Council to improve Emirati women’s participation in the private sector through collaborative initiatives and programs.
Educational and workforce statistics
Women constituted 70 percent of university graduates in the UAE, accounted for 46 percent of the total workforce, with 68 percent of them working in the public sector. They held nearly one-third of ministerial positions and made up 50 percent of the seats in the Federal National Council.
