There is an urgent need to develop actionable plans to implement legislation aimed at empowering women’s development, says

Türkiye’s Minister of Family and Social Services at GWFD 2024

 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 26, 2024 –  Her Excellency Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services of the Republic of Türkiye, reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to empowering women in economic development, achieving gender equality, and promoting female participation across all sectors at the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024. The forum, 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, is taking place at Madinat Jumeirah from November 26 to 27.

Speaking at a session titled ‘From Policy to Practice: Women Empowering Communities’, Göktaş emphasised the urgent need to develop actionable plans to effectively implement legislation and policies aimed at increasing women’s awareness and participation in social, educational, industrial, and economic development. “We strongly believe that a Strong Woman means a Strong Türkiye,” Göktaş affirmed. To this end, Türkiye has adopted a comprehensive four-year national plan to ensure women have equal opportunities in leadership, employment, education, and all aspects of social and economic life.

Rym Al Falasi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, highlighted the UAE’s progressive step of increasing the representation of female members in the Emirati Parliament for Children to 50%. Al Falasi emphasised the importance of instilling the concept of gender equality in children from an early age, stating, “The Emirati woman has an equal opportunity to reach space, just like her male peers.”

She also said the UAE Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood has undertaken ambitious initiatives to integrate women into the workforce, promote equality in achieving leadership positions, and ensure full access to social rights. “We are building upon already established frameworks of women empowerment to venture into new social and economic arenas. The endeavours for women’s empowerment are limitless,” Al Falasi added.

Speaking further, Göktaş highlighted Türkiye’s comprehensive action plan aimed at increasing women’s empowerment to 40.1% by 2028, up from the current 37.1%. Türkiye is among 23 countries implementing the second phase of a full-fledged initiative to broaden the scope of women’s empowerment. “We have clinched several partnership agreements and memoranda of understanding to exchange knowledge and expertise with member countries in the field of women’s empowerment and to capitalise on their experiences,” Göktaş said.

Göktaş also underscored the importance of fostering a community mindset that values women’s roles in social and economic progress. She encouraged the private sector to implement practical initiatives that support women’s participation, particularly through small cooperative projects. “Women must stand side by side with their male peers at the discussion table,” Göktaş reaffirmed.

Al Falasi further emphasised that the UAE’s women’s empowerment programmes have extended beyond its borders. Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, and through a programme for assisting victims of humanitarian crises, approximately 500 women in 15 countries have benefitted from initiatives focused on education and entrepreneurship.

The UAE has implemented meaningful initiatives to provide psychological support to women. She highlighted the importance of supporting mothers by quoting, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and emphasised the need to equip mothers with essential psychological, educational, and awareness resources to raise healthy children who will grow into valuable citizens contributing to their country.

 

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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.