UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has revealed a significant milestone in gender equality, with women’s participation in the private sector experiencing a remarkable growth of 23.1 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Commitment to gender balance
The UAE’s continuous efforts towards promoting gender balance and empowering women across all sectors have been instrumental in fostering an environment of equality and inclusivity. The country is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for women, strengthening their role as pivotal contributors to the nation’s future.
Moreover, legislation in the UAE serves as a cornerstone for promoting gender equality. Laws explicitly prohibit gender discrimination in the workplace, encouraging more women to join the workforce. Hence, the commitment to equal pay for similar jobs upholds human rights and demonstrates the UAE’s dedication to achieving gender balance.
The UAE Labor Law (Regulation of Labor Relations Law) plays a crucial role in ensuring wage equality by stipulating that women should receive the same salary as their male counterparts for identical job roles. Therefore, the law protects women’s rights and enhances the country’s competitiveness globally in terms of gender equality.
Breaking barriers
The labor law in the UAE goes beyond wage equality between men and women. It eliminates restrictions on women working during night hours and in challenging sectors such as mining, construction, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and transportation. This groundbreaking step ensures equal job opportunities and prohibits employers from terminating the service of a female employee due to pregnancy.
In addition, the UAE’s commitment to empowering women extends to economic spheres. The law prohibits all forms of discrimination in the workplace based not only on gender but also on race, color, national origin, or social origin. This comprehensive approach fosters an inclusive work environment.
Gender Balance Strategy 2022-2026
The UAE’s adoption of the Gender Balance Strategy 2022-2026 reflects a clear vision to become a global model for gender balance and empowerment of women. With pillars focusing on economic participation, financial inclusion, well-being, quality of life, protection, and global leadership, the strategy aims to position the country as an exporter of best gender balance practices.
Global recognition
The UAE’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment of women has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. According to the Gender Equality Index 2022 by the United Nations Development Programme, the UAE ranked first in the Arab world and eleventh globally. It also topped the Middle East and North Africa region in the “Women, Business, and the Law 2023” report by the World Bank. Additionally, the UAE led Arab countries in the “Gender Gap Report 2022” released by the World Economic Forum.
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Sustaining growth
The enactment of the “Federal Law on the Unified General Rules of Labour in the United Arab Emirates” has played a pivotal role in supporting gender balance and equal opportunities, both in the public and private sectors. It also unified maternity and paternity leaves, ensured equal pay for similar work, and prohibited discrimination in all its forms. These measures contribute to supporting sustainable development goals and enhancing economic growth.
This recognition further solidifies the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development goals, economic growth, and the empowerment of women. The UAE stands as a beacon of progress in the journey towards global gender equality.
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