Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 27, 2024: Young women should seize opportunities and learn from the UAE’s example of success in women’s representation in public service, said Her Excellency Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Speaking during a conversation with Hadley Gamble of Al Arabiya, at the Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD 2024), she said global events like GWFD are essential to formulate policies to encourage women to come to public service and contribute to the empowerment of women in a meaningful way.

The session was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Member of the Dubai Council, and Member of The Executive Council of Dubai; Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, and Chairperson of the Board and Managing Director of the Dubai Women Establishment; and Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

“Progress made in the UAE is model for others to follow as there is need for more platforms for women in public service for them to shine and make a difference.”

She encouraged young women to commit to uplifting others and pursuing justice, opportunity and equality for all. “Seize opportunities and learn from the UAE’s example,” she said.

“Women have to work twice as hard for half the recognition as men but are a strong resilient force,” she noted.

Challenges faced by women globally are inequality, security and access to healthcare and education, but she emphasised the power of the vote to make their voices heard.

Aseefa Bhutto Zardari is the youngest daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and two-time Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. This is the first time in the nation’s history that a daughter, and not the wife, of an incumbent president is extended the formal title of the First Lady.

“I have only recently become First Lady, as my father became president, and as a widower, he decided to name his youngest daughter the First Lady in order to fill the role and make sure that we have a strong representative for women and women’s rights.”

“My message to young women would be to believe in yourself, remain steadfast in your values, and never underestimate the power of your voice.

Leadership is not about privilege and position. It’s shaped by purpose and persistence, and we must remember that the road ahead will be challenging but we must embrace education, foster empathy, commit ourselves to uplifting all those around us.”

True leadership lies in service to others at the pursuit for justice, opportunity and equality for all.

My message to the younger generation would be that you are the architects of a brighter future.”

-ENDS-

 

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.