Undeniably, life cannot thrive nor maintain its balance without both women and men. Each plays a vital role in building their societies and contributing to their advancement. However, when we speak of an inexhaustible fountain of compassion, the essence of existence, and the key to success, we undoubtedly refer to women and their immense role in shaping individuals and countries.
Therefore, it is not surprising that women receive significant attention across all religions, beliefs, civilizations, and cultures. She is a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a wife. She is a partner to man in every aspect, and progress can only be achieved by empowering her and enhancing her role in all fields.
A woman’s impact is evident in every detail of life. It starts within the home, nurturing a strong generation that adheres to its heritage and authentic traditions, aspiring to build a powerful country that competes with the most advanced countries in progress and prosperity. Her influence extends to building society and leading it towards a brighter future. Just as a good tree bears fruit, a woman can produce a generation that carries noble values when she is nurtured with love and care. When she finds a good environment to thrive, she achieves all that God created her for.
Indeed, our leaders in the United Arab Emirates have recognized this well and have prioritized the empowerment of Emirati women and the strengthening of their role in nation-building. So women have received unparalleled attention in both words and deeds, as affirmed by our father, Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, when he said: “Nothing pleases me more than seeing women taking their distinguished role in society, as nothing should hinder their progress.”
These kind words from Sheikh Zayed reflect the extent of his reliance on the role of women in building countries, and affirm his keenness, may God rest his soul, to remove all obstacles hindering women from fulfilling their constructive role in society.
This approach is evident in the directives of our wise leadership, represented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, may God protect him. He has diligently worked to enhance the role of women, believing that they have a pivotal impact on the progress of humanity. He said, “Women are a source of inspiration in giving and achievement, and their role is essential in making progress. Their position is central to working towards a better future for humanity”.
The brilliance that Emirati women witness today across various levels and in all fields is a testament to the clear vision of our wise leadership in empowering women and expressing pride in their achievements. This was emphasized by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, when he said, “The contributions, perseverance, and aspirations of Emirati women in the country’s journey are evident in their achievements and endeavors”.
By her inherent nature, endowed by God, a woman is capable of boundless giving, excellence, and success. All she needs is our belief in her abilities, encouragement and empowerment in her role in country-building. This includes supportive legislation and laws, as well as providing the necessary material and moral support to facilitate her participation in all aspects of life, and this is deeply rooted in the belief of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, when he said: “The successes and achievements of Emirati women reinforce our confidence in their ability to excel”.
How beautiful are his words congratulating women on their day: “Tomorrow, we celebrate Emirati Women’s Day, a partner in development, a maker of generations, a mother of martyrs, the pride of the Emirates, and a soulmate”.
He added a phrase that was as precious as gold “Today, two-thirds of government employees are women, two-thirds of graduates from our national universities are women, and one-third of the Cabinet are women. We do not empower women; we empower society by women”.
The Emirati woman has become an active partner in shaping the political, scientific, social, economic, and media landscape. She has received ample attention under the guidance and support of the President, may God protect him.
It is worth noting that the United Arab Emirates has launched several initiatives to promote gender balance in the public and private sectors. These initiatives aim to solidify women’s economic participation and support them in entrepreneurship, and one of these pioneering initiatives, not only at the level of the UAE, but also at the level of the Arab world, is The Gender Balance Index Award, which is presented annually to individuals and entities who support gender balance at the governmental level.
The UAE is diligently striving to achieve its National Strategy for Gender Equality 2022-2026, which is built on four pillars: economic participation, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, well-being and quality of life, protection, and leadership and global partnerships.
In this context, the “Commitment to Accelerating Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 5” aims to promote gender equality in the private sector, increasing women’s participation in leadership positions at senior and middle management to at least 30% by 2025. This commitment is based on ensuring equal pay and promoting recruitment and promotion based on gender equality, including top leadership positions.
Furthermore, the “National Platform for Gender Balance” serves as an effective tool for measuring and monitoring data and projects related to gender balance within the federal government and local governments.
In conclusion, we extend our congratulations to women in our beloved country for their remarkable achievements. We value their sacrifices in building individuals and countries, and we are confident in a bright future for them under a wise leadership that considers them as equal partners to men in every success.
