Latest news with #SheikhaFatima


Zawya
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
UAE shares model for women empowerment and gender equality with international community
UAE delegation hosts roundtable on innovation and bridging the digital gender gap Dubai- UAE – The UAE has reaffirmed the critical role of women empowerment and gender equality in achieving the United Nations' (UN) 2030 Agenda during the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York. The UAE delegation highlighted the nation's model for women empowerment, gender equality, and its focus on motherhood and childhood as the basis for inclusive and sustainable growth. The UAE built this model through the comprehensive empowerment system that it provides for women and families, who form the nucleus of society and guarantee the sustainability of human, social, and economic development. The UAE delegation presented national policies and legislation that have contributed to increasing the number of women in leadership and decision-making positions. This includes the Equal Pay Law and the Constitution guaranteeing equal opportunities for both genders. The delegation highlighted several milestones, including the fact that women now represent 50% of Federal National Council members and 26% of Cabinet members. Women also constitute 46% of STEM graduates in the UAE and 80% of the scientific leadership team in the Emirates Mars Mission. The delegation also addressed the UAE's role in supporting women empowerment globally through initiatives like Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's Women in Peace and Security Initiative. The delegation concluded by reiterating the UAE's willingness to share its expertise and success with the international community to promote gender equality towards 2030 and beyond. Promoting innovation and bridging the digital gender gap The National Secretariat on SDGs and the UAE Consulate General in New York City hosted a roundtable on 'Accelerating Innovation in Promoting Gender Equality to Continue Achieving Sustainable Development in the Post-2030.' The discussion explored bridging the digital gender gap, transforming the care economy, and empowering women in leadership. It presented scalable solutions and practical models to drive progress around SDG 5. The discussion featured contributions from Her Excellency Savannah Mazhya, Minister of Information and Communications Technology in the Kingdom of Eswatini and Chair of the Global Council for SDG 5; His Excellency Abdulla Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on SDGs; Dr Manal Taryam, CEO and Board Member of Noor Dubai Foundation; while other participants included Chelsea Molden, Executive Director of the Public Policy Lab; Stephanie Sirota from RTW Investments in Life Sciences; and Andrew Billo, Head of Partnerships at the UN Initiative to End Violence Against Women and Girls. HE Lootah: 'The UAE has built a pioneering global model that supports social progress HE Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on SDGs, said: 'Over decades of sustainable development centred on the family, the UAE has made community empowerment both the finish line and the starting point of development. This approach is what the UAE is ready to share with everyone around the world. 'Through the UAE's participation in HLPF, and through the delegation's meetings and partnerships, we are sharing knowledge gained in empowering society to ensure inclusive development.' Additionally, the UAE delegation shared the country's experiences in establishing the National Committee on SDGs in 2017 during its participation in an event organised by the Government of Qatar to introduce the agenda of the second edition of the Global Summit for Social Development, which will be held in Doha from 4-6 November.


Al Etihad
17-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Fatima bint Mubarak affirms UAE's global leadership in women's empowerment
17 July 2025 19:43 ABU DHABI (WAM)Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak 'The Mother of the Nation', Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, under its wise leadership, places the highest priority on women, based on the conviction that the partnership between women and men is a cornerstone of sustainable development and a key pillar for national progress and confidence in the a statement marking the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, H.H. Sheikha Fatima said the UAE has made significant strides toward achieving Goal 5 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which focuses on gender equality and women's Highness highlighted the UAE's success in empowering women to play a pivotal role in decision-making and in all aspects of life—political, economic and social—making them integral to the nation's prosperity and a model of responsibility at both regional and global levels.H.H. Sheikha Fatima emphasised that empowering women has been a long-standing principle laid down by the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who believed in the potential of Emirati women and encouraged them to contribute to the nation's progress. She recalled his words, 'I am a supporter of women... I always say this to affirm their right to work and fully participate in building their nation,' and 'Women are half of society.'She praised the achievements made under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, along with His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential efforts enabled the UAE to rank 13th globally and 1st regionally in the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index, score 82.5 out of 100 in the World Bank's 2024 Women, Business and the Law report, and place 1st regionally in the 2023/2024 Georgetown University Women, Peace and Security Fatima highlighted the UAE Constitution's guarantees of equality before the law, access to healthcare, education and employment. She pointed to the 2018 Cabinet approval of the first legislation on equal pay, including Federal Decree-Law No. 27 of 2018 on equal pay for men and women in the federal government, and Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations in the private sector, which mandates equal pay for equal work or work of equal noted the launch of the UAE National Strategy for Women Empowerment 2023–2031, which built on achievements in national development. Women now occupy 50 percent of the Federal National Council seats, placing the UAE among the top countries for gender-balanced parliamentary 26 percent of ministerial positions are held by women, who lead key portfolios including education, climate change, community development and family affairs. Emirati women also constitute 71 percent of UAE nationals in the public and private sectors, 63 percent of leadership roles in the federal government, and 13 percent of the country's ambassadors Fatima also highlighted the role of Emirati women in entrepreneurship, noting that more than 25,000 Emirati women own over 50,000 commercial licences with investments exceeding AED60 the education and technology fields, she noted that 46 percent of STEM graduates in the UAE are women, and they make up 50 percent of the national workforce in the space sector. Women also account for 55 percent of the overall labour stressed that the UAE's efforts to empower women have extended globally, through initiatives such as the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative, which promotes women's contributions to peace and dialogue, and has trained over 500 women to also referenced the Arab Women's Economic Empowerment Observatory, adopted at the 2023 Leaders' Summit to foster partnerships across the Arab world, and the Sheikha Fatima Initiative to Empower Rural Women in Africa in the agricultural expressed her pride in the contributions of national institutions like the General Women's Union, the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and the UAE Gender Balance Council, all of which support and empower women through impactful programmes that advance the Sustainable Development remarks coincide with the opening of the High-Level Political Forum in New York, held under the United Nations Economic and Social Council, under the theme "Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science‑ and evidence‑based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind'. The forum serves as the UN's primary platform to drive global efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by UAE is participating in the forum with an official delegation presenting its pioneering national model for sustainable development, inclusive of all sectors of society. The delegation is also engaging in global knowledge exchange and collaboration with international bodies and UN agencies to support development initiatives bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and member of the UAE Gender Balance Council, stated that the forum includes voluntary national reviews by participating countries to assess and accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda. This year's focus is on Goals 3, 5, 8, 14 and noted that the UAE's participation reflects its long-standing commitment to sustainable development and its global application of successful national models. The forum also provides a platform to discuss the UAE's Vision 2045 for sustainable development, aligned with the country's forward-looking approach that builds bridges between today and the future for the benefit of people, communities and the planet—particularly in relation to Goal 5, gender equality. The forum has served as the UN's principal platform for sustainable development since its establishment in 2012, playing a key role in reviewing country-level progress toward the 2030 Agenda.


The National
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
'Hand in Hand': UAE announces theme for Emirati Women's Day
The official theme of Emirati Women's Day 2025 has been unveiled as 'Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years', under the directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation. Held annually on 28 August, this year's occasion coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the General Women's Union, in 1975. The theme honours five decades of Emirati women's achievements and underscores the importance of community partnership in shaping the country's progress. The announcement aligns with President Sheikh Mohamed's proclamation of 2025 as the 'Year of Community' under the theme 'Hand in Hand'. The shared slogan highlights a unified national vision to strengthen social cohesion and reaffirm the vital role of women as equal partners in building the future. Carrying "profound national and social meaning," this year's Emirati Women's Day theme reflects the UAE's approach to empowerment - one that encourages collaboration across all sectors of society, state news agency Wam reported. Since its establishment, the General Women's Union has served as a key national institution championing women's rights and development.


Khaleej Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE unveils 2025 Emirati Women's Day theme to mark 50 years of female empowerment
The UAE on Saturday announced the official theme for Emirati Women's Day 2025: 'Hand in Hand, Celebrating the 50th' marking five decades since the establishment of the General Women's Union in 1975. Emirati Women's Day has become a key moment each year to reflect on progress, renew commitments to gender equality, and celebrate the achievements of women across the country. This year's celebration, set for August 28, aligns with the broader national initiative naming 2025 the Year of Community, launched by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The focus is on strengthening social bonds and recognising the vital role women play in national development. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The theme highlights the UAE's inclusive approach to women's empowerment, emphasising shared responsibility and unity across all sectors of society. It also honours the contributions of Emirati women over the years and reinforces the commitment to continue advancing their role in the country's future. The them was announced by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF). Since its founding, the General Women's Union has worked to empower women through programs rooted in national identity, community values, and social cohesion.


Sharjah 24
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Sheikha Fatima thanks Türkiye for hosting 'Mother of the Nation'
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima praised the initiative as a reflection of the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the UAE and Türkiye, nurtured under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye. She emphasised the continuous growth in UAE-Türkiye relations across all fields, bolstered by the shared vision of both nations' leadership and their mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation and friendship. These relations, she noted, are founded on mutual respect, joint interests, and a shared aspiration for a better future. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima also expressed particular gratitude to President Erdoğan for the Turkish Presidency's patronage of the exhibition, commending his enduring support for bilateral ties and initiatives that enhance social and humanitarian collaboration. She further conveyed special thanks to Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for her dedication in supporting the exhibition, lauding her distinguished contributions to Turkish society in the cultural, humanitarian, and social spheres, as well as her efforts to promote women's role in sustainable development. Sheikha Fatima emphasised that the exhibition serves as an important cultural and social bridge between the two nations. It promotes mutual understanding, knowledge exchange, and cooperation in areas such as women's empowerment, family development, and community welfare. The exhibition, she added, embodies shared values and a joint commitment to sustainable development on both regional and global levels. The selection of the Nation's Library of the Presidency, as the exhibition venue carries symbolic weight, reflecting the high esteem in which UAE-led initiatives are held in Türkiye and the depth of official and popular relations between the two countries. Organised by the UAE Ministry of Interior, the "Mother of the Nation" exhibition celebrates the inspiring humanitarian and social legacy of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. It showcases key milestones in her decades of service to the community, presenting her as a national role model whose life continues to inspire generations. The exhibition also highlights the achievements of Emirati women and promotes cultural and intellectual exchange between the Emirati and Turkish peoples.