Global Women’s Forum Dubai sees peace activist make a stirring appeal to stand up and be counted in testing times

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 26, 2024 – Nobel peace laureate Leymah Gbowee shared her personal struggles and experiences to illustrate how women can make a positive difference to the world around them despite heavy odds. A session on the opening day of the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024 entitled ‘Game-Changer’ had Gbowee recounting the outrage and anguish she felt as a child in her home country Liberia amid a raging civil war and how those sentiments galvanised a non-violent struggle by women that eventually clinched peace.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Global Women’s Forum Dubai reflects the UAE’s leadership in advancing gender equality and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality.

Gbowee, Founder and President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation, reminisced about the injustice and the powerlessness she felt as a youngster at finding common folk caught up in the chaos of conflict and how it steeled her resolve to change their shared destiny. A movement took shape in her mind, rallying more women around her into action, and it took the country by storm. It was just as much a movement that took shape from her own empowerment, thanks to education and better opportunities, she noted. That empowerment made the difference between helplessness and affirmative action.

Gbowee went on to elaborate how those in power tried to derail the peace push, forcing her to come up with an inspirational strategy: a sit-in by her band of fellow women outside the very hall where floundering peace talks were taking place and their refusal to let anyone leave unless they signed a pledge to cease hostilities. Their triumph marked an end to strife in the country and led to the election of its first woman president.

“The world is crying out for each and every one of us to step in and change the tide,” Gbowee said. Women in some countries are still denied political rights; elsewhere they don’t have inheritance rights, she pointed out, emphasising that peace represents the presence of conditions that ensure dignity for all. This is why it is imperative on every woman to try and change lives – educating a young girl, or something as simple as a reassuring smile or a word of encouragement could help make a huge difference in someone’s life, she added.

Referencing the name of the session, Gbowee asked those in attendance if they had what it takes to change the game. “Do one thing every day that scares you,” she said quoting Eleanor Roosevelt. Being inquisitive about suffering, injustice, indignity and poverty would make for a great starting point, motivating young women to be their best selves, even enabling them to make peace in countries at war, she concluded.

 

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About Dubai Women Establishment

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed as a statutory body of Dubai Government in 2006 under law no. (24) by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE aims to enhance the professional and leadership capabilities of women, increase their participation in the comprehensive development journey, and strengthen their role in shaping the economic and social future of Dubai, by proposing and developing relevant and impactful policies. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of DWE and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. DWE’s strategic plan for 2023-2027 includes three pillars: creating an enabling environment for women in the labour market, developing women leaders, and enhancing the quality of life for women in society, through which DWE seeks to achieve its vision of “Dubai as a pioneering model for women-friendly cities.” The new strategic plan focuses on contributing to the strengthening of supporting legislation and policies, consolidating partnerships and allowing women to influence locally and globally.

About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD) provides a platform to explore new strategies for enhancing gender balance and raising women’s participation in the economy and society worldwide. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, GWFD reflects the UAE’s leadership in advancing gender equality and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. Since its inception eight years ago, the forum has become a leading international gathering for fostering dialogue and collaboration to address challenges and opportunities for women worldwide. With a rich agenda featuring diverse discussions, transformative workshops, and impactful speakers, GWFD brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to inspire progress toward building a more inclusive and sustainable future. The 2024 edition of GWFD, themed The Power of Influence, takes place on November 26-27 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, gathering over 6,000 participants, 250 speakers and 25 prominent figures and ministers from across the globe. The 130 panel discussions at the forum centre on three pillars: Future Economies and Societies, Collective Engagements and Actions, and Impactful Technologies and Innovations.