Gargash confirms the support of the Government and Constitution for women's empowerment
• Development of women in the UAE community is the norm and not exception and a lot more is yet to be achieved: Gargash
His Excellency Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said that the empowering of women is a key component of the UAE government’s strategy. He was addressing a conference organised by the Dubai Women’s Association, held under the patronage of H.H Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Speaking on ‘The Family: A source of Social Identity – Visions & Ambitions,’ Dr Gargash hailed the progress achieved by women in the UAE and reiterated the commitment of the government to further empower women as they make significant contributions to the development of the UAE.
He said:” The UAE leadership is committed to empowering women and utilizing their skills for the growth of the economy. This commitment is enshrined in the Constitution through guarantees for gender equality and social justice, as well as evolving legislations that strive to maintain the balance of modernization with our cultural heritage and Islamic beliefs”.
He added: “The story of women in the UAE is a success story and one that the nation can be rightly proud of despite being a young country. Women in the UAE account for nearly half the country’s population and are today at the forefront in both the government and private sector. The prominent role of women within our society has developed and evolved over the years is part of the norm in the UAE and not the exception. Although the UAE has made great strides in a number of sectors, the government considers this as “work in progress” – and hopes to support women achieving even greater heights in the years ahead”.
Dr Gargash highlighted the implementation of the government’s commitment to women's empowerment as demonstrated by the recent cabinet reshuffle that has brought more women into office. He hailed the constructive and vital role played by organizations like the General Women’s Union which was established in 1975. Dr Gargash stressed on the role of the Union under the Presidency of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak in representing and organizing the women’s movement and promoting the development for women across all sectors in the UAE. He urged women associations to build on the successes that have been achieved and set a defined agenda for the coming period including for example the increased participation of women in the private sector.
Dr Gargash said that women in the UAE account for 27.95% of the national labour force marking an annual growth margin of 3.5% between 1985 and 2005. On the educational level, nearly half the students registered in over 1,250 schools across the UAE are girls; about 75% of all students in the UAE University are women; and, three out of every five students in the public higher education system are women. As for women’s contribution to the political sphere, 22.5% of the parliament (FNC) members are women, exceeding the global average of 17%. In this context, he praised the enthusiastic approach demonstrated by Emarati women towards this national agenda.
