Latest news with #UAEGenderBalanceCouncil
Al Etihad
12-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE Gender Balance Council showcases national achievements at G20 Women's Empowerment Working Group Meeting in South Africa
12 May 2025 23:00 DUBAI (WAM)The UAE, represented by the UAE Gender Balance Council, participated in the second technical meeting of the G20 Women's Empowerment Working Group, held in South Africa on 8–9 May under the country's G20 UAE delegation included Mouza Mohammed Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, and Maitha Al Hashimi, Director of Strategic Studies and delegation highlighted key national initiatives aimed at advancing gender balance and promoting women's empowerment across Council's presentation focused on the UAE's success in three key areas: eliminating gender-based violence, strengthening the care economy, and expanding financial inclusion. The delegation also highlighted national strategies to increase women's representation in leadership Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, underscored the UAE's steadfast contributions to G20 discussions and the close alignment between the Working Group's priorities and the nation's women's empowerment emphasised that empowering women across sectors is a national objective, achieved through progressive legislation, institutional support, capacity-building programmes and ambitious targets. These measures have driven notable gains in women's leadership within government, business, technology and the green also highlighted the value of international collaboration through platforms such as the G20 Women's Empowerment Working Group. Guided by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Council remains committed to sharing its achievements and adopting global best practices.'We are proud to share our success stories in care economy development, financial inclusion and women's leadership, while drawing on insights from global partners to build more equitable, prosperous societies,' she at the meeting, Mouza Al Suwaidi highlighted the UAE's efforts to advance women in leadership roles across all sectors. Backed by national policies and the strong support of the country's leadership, these initiatives have significantly increased women's representation in decision-making women hold 50 percent of the seats in the Federal National Council and around one-third of cabinet positions. Their presence has also grown across the judiciary, diplomatic corps, and senior executive roles in both the public and private sectors. The implementation of the Equal Pay for Equal Work Law in 2018 has further strengthened the foundation for more women to move into top leadership Al Suwaidi reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to financial inclusion, underscoring the constitutional guarantees and Central Bank policies that ensure women have equal access to financial services.'The UAE remains committed to advancing women's financial autonomy and participation in economic life,' Al Suwaidi said. 'Our Constitution and laws guarantee equal rights for women to own property, access credit, and participate in commercial activities.'She also highlighted the country's expanding care economy, supported by comprehensive laws and policies such as maternity and parental leave, remote work options, and the provision of on-site nurseries in government workplaces. In 2024, the UAE launched the Ministry of Family Affairs to further strengthen family stability, reinforcing the family's role as a cornerstone of both society and the addition, she outlined the UAE's multi-layered approach to addressing gender-based violence, which includes robust legislation and protective frameworks to safeguard women's safety and her remarks, Al Suwaidi said, 'We value the platform the G20 provides to share knowledge, shape global dialogue, and drive collective action toward gender equality. The UAE looks forward to continuing this important partnership—with all of you—as we work toward a future where our daughters and sons enjoy equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal safety.' On the sidelines of the meeting, Mouza Al Suwaidi held discussions with several high-level officials to explore partnerships and exchange expertise in gender balance policy. Her engagements included meetings with Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in South Africa; Dr. Maimoona Al Khalil, Secretary-General of Saudi Arabia's Family Affairs Council; Anil Malik, Secretary at India's Ministry of Women and Child Development; Reinaldo Luther Yusak Lolong, Head of the Indonesian delegation; Leow Sui Lin, Director at Singapore's Ministry of Social and Family Development; and Wendy Teleki, Head of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi).
Hi Dubai
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Mohammed bin Rashid Approves National Strategy for Islamic Finance and Tourism Growth Targets
The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, has approved the UAE Strategy for Islamic Finance and Halal Industry, alongside key initiatives targeting economic growth, biosafety, tourism, and SME development. The strategy aims to position the UAE as a global leader in Islamic finance by growing Islamic bank assets to AED2.56 trillion and increasing sukuk listings to AED660 billion by 2031. A committee led by the Central Bank governor will oversee its implementation. The Cabinet also reviewed strong results from the tourism sector. In 2023, the industry contributed AED220 billion to the national economy and supported over 800,000 jobs. Hotel guest numbers rose 9.5 percent to 30 million, and the sector's 2024 contribution is projected to reach AED236 billion. Plans are in place to raise this to AED450 billion within six years. An updated National Biosafety Framework was approved to strengthen the UAE's capabilities in biological risk management, research, and emergency response. The Cabinet also reviewed biofuel initiatives supporting the country's sustainability goals. Further discussions covered the growth of the SME sector, which saw a 160 percent increase in business licenses. The UAE ranked first globally in the 2024–2025 International Business Leadership Observatory and maintained strong positions in other international competitiveness rankings. Other approvals included restructuring the UAE Gender Balance Council and the UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work, new performance frameworks for federal employees, legislative updates across sectors, and ratification of international agreements focused on trade, investment, and cooperation. The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable development through a series of forward-looking strategies and reforms. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hi Dubai
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Launches Gender Balance Council Pledge Awards to Recognize Female Leadership
The UAE has launched the Gender Balance Council Pledge Awards to celebrate private organizations excelling in women's leadership and gender balance. Announced by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative underscores the country's commitment to integrating gender balance into corporate structures. The awards are a continuation of the UAE's push toward gender equality, following the 2022 SDG 5 Pledge, which set a target of 30% women in leadership roles by 2025. H.H. Sheikha Manal emphasized that the new awards not only acknowledge achievements but also inspire companies to innovate inclusively and align with national priorities. The initiative highlights the UAE's growing role as a global leader in gender balance, with 71 organizations already signing the SDG 5 Pledge. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, stated that the next goal is to reach 30% women in leadership roles by 2025 for the initial group and 2028 for newer signatories. With a focus on collaboration, the UAE Gender Balance Council is working with government and private sector partners to foster a culture of inclusion. Key accomplishments include a 21% increase in female labor market participation and a rise in women's representation in leadership roles to 33.8%. The launch of the awards marks a significant milestone in the UAE's gender balance journey, reinforcing the country's vision of equal opportunities for women and men to contribute and thrive. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
04-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Manal bint Mohammed announces Gender Balance Council Pledge Awards
4 May 2025 17:02 DUBAI (WAM)In a landmark initiative that advances the UAE's gender balance agenda, Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has announced the 'Gender Balance Council Pledge Awards.'The awards aim to recognise private organisations that are championing women's leadership and integrating gender balance into their organisational on the journey that began in 2022 with the launch of the SDG 5 Pledge in collaboration with the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and the Private Sector Advisory Council, H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed said, "The world's first voluntary initiative of its kind led by the private sector, the pledge has had a significant impact on the country's corporate landscape, with signatories committing to raising women's representation in leadership roles to 30%. The new awards celebrate those organisations that have transformed commitment into achievement by reaching this milestone.""Across the UAE, organisations are stepping up their commitment, aligning with national priorities, and strengthening our global stature in gender balance. The launch of the awards not only marks how far we have come, but also inspires companies to further embed gender balance in their organisational ethos, innovate with inclusivity, and earn recognition on both national and international stages."H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed emphasised that the UAE has emerged as a pioneering global model of government-private sector partnership, driven by shared responsibility and a unified vision."Gender balance is not solely a government initiative, it is a collective movement. Through this pledge, we seek to recognise institutions that are reshaping leadership from within. Their efforts reflect our national values and advance our shared pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, both locally and globally."She reaffirmed that advancing women in leadership is not just a policy imperative but a national and global asset.'We are already witnessing exceptional examples of progress. These stories prove that change is not only possible, it is happening now. Together, we are building a future where gender balance is a norm, not a milestone.'Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, said, 'Seventy-one organisations across diverse sectors have signed the pledge so far. Our target is clear: 30% representation of women in leadership by 2025 for the first group and 2028 for those who joined recently. These benchmarks are bold, but they are within reach, and we are committed to helping companies reach them,' she added, 'As we relaunch this initiative, our focus is on reaching the numbers and building a learning ecosystem. We encourage companies to share their breakthroughs and strategies, creating a ripple effect of progress throughout the private sector.'Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, Mouza Mohammed Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, reflected on the Council's efforts to strengthen collaboration with the partners of the SDG 5 Acceleration Pledge. She noted that all stakeholders share a common vision: to build a more inclusive, resilient, and competitive economy where women and men have equal opportunities to contribute and Suwaidi explained that the Council is a federal entity mandated to promote gender balance across all sectors in the UAE, guided by three key objectives: reducing the gender gap in leadership roles, enhancing the UAE's global standing in gender-related indices, and embedding a culture of inclusion through policy, partnership, and noted that these objectives have led to several achievements, thanks to collaboration with government stakeholders, international organisations such as the OECD, World Bank, and UN, and the adoption of global best practices to create programmes that deliver measurable stated, 'Thanks to your efforts and dedication to advancing gender balance, we've achieved meaningful progress. Today, 33.8% of women in the UAE workforce are in leadership roles. Among female employees, 46% are considered skilled, representing 28% of all skilled workers. Female participation in the labour market has increased by nearly 21%, and companies that actively hire women have experienced a 27.5% growth rate.'She affirmed that these outcomes are a testament to the impact of strong public-private sector partnerships and have contributed to the UAE's leading regional position in the World Bank's Women, Business and the Law 2024 Al Suwaidi also pointed to broader national reforms that have advanced gender balance, including more than 20 legislative changes in labour rights, health, education, and personal status. She highlighted the milestone of 50% female representation in the Federal National Council and the increase in board representation from 3% to 15% following the introduction of a mandatory inclusion policy for listed concluded by expressing her confidence in further progress, citing the signing of a cooperation agreement between the UAE Gender Balance Council and the Nafis Programme as a significant step towards accelerating gender balance in the private sector and promoting inclusive economic UAE Gender Balance Council hosted a partner workshop under the theme 'From Pledge to Progress,' gathering representatives from the 71 companies that have signed the SDG 5 Pledge and the UAE National Competitiveness Council (NAFIS). The workshop provided a collaborative platform to assess annual progress, spotlight best practices, and address challenges through data sharing, dialogue, and solution-focused the session, Mona Al Marri said, 'When we empower women, we empower nations. And when we partner across sectors, we accelerate everyone's progress. We're energised and ready to move forward together, celebrating progress and unlocking what's possible next.'She added, 'Beyond quotas, the true value lies in building inclusive cultures. Studies confirm that diverse leadership drives better outcomes, greater productivity, stronger performance, and heightened innovation.'She reaffirmed the Council's commitment to supporting companies on this journey: 'We are here as your partners. Through guidance, frameworks, and now recognition, we are creating the momentum needed to fulfil the promise of SDG 5 and ensure that no leader is left behind because of gender.'The meeting included a comprehensive presentation on the UAE's gender balance achievements, from rising female participation in the workforce to parliamentary leadership, progressive legislation, and inclusive workplace policies.A panel titled 'From Commitment to Change: Best Practices in Gender Balance' explored the tangible impact of women in decision-making roles and outlined practical mechanisms for overcoming obstacles to progress. Companies that have excelled in promoting inclusive leadership shared success stories, reaffirming the value of diversity as a strategic advantage and a pillar of sustainable growth. Strategic Planning and Excellence Director at NAFIS, Amal Saleh Al Teneiji, shared insights into the programme's role in supporting Emirati women's advancement in the private sector.
Hi Dubai
28-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Strengthens Commitment to Women's Empowerment at BRICS Ministerial Meeting
The UAE reaffirmed its dedication to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment at the BRICS Women's Affairs Ministerial Meeting held in Brazil. Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, emphasized the critical role of economic empowerment in driving sustainable growth and innovation. Sheikha Manal highlighted the UAE's progressive approach to gender balance, stressing the importance of inclusive policies in areas such as equal pay, parental leave, and women's full participation in the workforce. She noted that the country is also at the forefront of promoting women in climate action and green innovation, with leading roles in sustainability, solar energy, and agriculture. At the meeting, discussions revolved around empowering women through entrepreneurship, enhancing digital safety, and integrating gender equality into climate action. The UAE's strong track record in supporting women entrepreneurs was showcased, with 18% of Emirati entrepreneurs being women, many of whom are under 40. Additionally, the UAE's robust legal frameworks protect women in the digital space, combating online harassment and promoting safe, inclusive digital environments. Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, further emphasized the UAE's leadership in climate action, pointing to the country's gender-inclusive approach at COP28 and its initiatives with UN Women. The meeting, which brought together key leaders from Brazil and other BRICS nations, highlighted the shared global commitment to advancing women's rights. The UAE's participation underscores its ongoing role as a global leader in gender equality and empowerment across diverse sectors. News Source: Dubai Media Office
