Mariam Ahmed Al Hammadi highlights UAE’s commitment to equal opportunities, workplace protections, and international partnerships driving transformative change

 

 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 26, 2024 – At the Global Women’s Forum in Dubai, influential voices from across the globe convened to discuss transformative pathways for gender equality and the vital role of partnerships in advancing this agenda. Her Excellency Mariam Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the UAE Cabinet, joined Dr. Ruba Jaradat, Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Arab States at the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Dr. Ousmane Dione, Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at The World Bank, for an engaging panel discussion moderated by CNBC Middle East Correspondent Heather Graham.

 

Her Excellency Al Hammadi began by underscoring the UAE’s unwavering commitment to gender equality, a principle embedded in the nation’s founding vision. Quoting the words of UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “Nothing makes me happier than to see women assume their rightful role in society and realise their potential,” she said: “This philosophy has not only shaped our approach to empowering women but has become the backbone of our national policies. It is a promise we continue to uphold and a legacy we seek to strengthen with every step forward.”

 

Highlighting key milestones, Her Excellency Al Hammadi credited Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, often referred to as the Mother of the Nation, for her pivotal role in establishing the General Women’s Union in 1975. “Her Highness’s leadership has been a cornerstone of the UAE’s progress in gender equality. The General Women’s Union has advanced women’s empowerment locally and has also been a voice for women on the international stage. Through her efforts, women in the UAE have been able to take on roles that were once unimaginable.”

She also praised the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, for his initiatives, including the UAE Gender Balance Council, launched in 2015.

 

“Under His Highness’ leadership, we have institutionalised gender balance across all sectors. From the Gender Balance Council to initiatives like the Arab Reading Challenge, which has engaged millions of young girls, our commitment goes beyond policies—it touches lives directly. It creates opportunities for the next generation.”

 

On the international stage, Her Excellency detailed the UAE’s financial contributions to global gender equality efforts. “Between 2017 and last year alone, the UAE contributed $2.4 billion to global initiatives aimed at empowering women. We believe that our role extends beyond our borders; it is about sharing our successes, collaborating with others, and investing in a future where gender equality is a reality for all. This is why we proudly support UN Women and other global platforms that champion the cause.”

 

Dr. Ousmane Dione of the World Bank also praised the UAE’s achievements, noting its pioneering introduction of shared parental leave in the private sector and equal pay legislation. “The UAE has been a trailblazer, setting a standard for the region and globally. These reforms propelled the UAE in global rankings, including the World Bank’s Women, Business, and the Law report,” he remarked.

 

Dr Dione further emphasised the importance of partnerships in advancing gender equality: “Collaborative efforts between governments, international organisations, and the private sector are crucial. Working together can create environments where women thrive, contributing significantly to economic growth and societal well-being.”

 

Dr. Ruba Jaradat of the ILO highlighted the role of partnerships in driving progress. She pointed to initiatives like the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) and the Global Accelerator for Jobs and Social Protection, which have focused on bridging the gender wage gap and recognising the economic value of care work.

 

“The UAE’s alignment with ILO principles, particularly in areas like maternity rights and workplace equality, sets a strong example for other countries,” she said. Dr Jaradat noted, “Investing in the care economy is not just a social imperative but an economic one. It has the potential to create jobs and promote equality, benefiting society as a whole.”

 

Her Excellency Al Hammadi also discussed the UAE’s sweeping legislative reforms over the past few years. “In the last three to four years, we’ve comprehensively transformed our legislative framework. Over 75% of federal laws have been updated, and more than 50 outdated laws have been removed to align with the modern needs of our people. These changes ensure that women and men have equal opportunities in education, health, work, and property rights. For example, our compulsory education law mandates schooling for boys and girls up to 18 years. As a result, Emirati women are among the most educated globally, making up 70% of university graduates.”

 

She elaborated on workplace equality: “Our labour laws are designed to prohibit discrimination and ensure equal pay for men and women. Flexible work options, such as remote, hybrid, and freelance arrangements, have been introduced to support work-life balance, ensuring women can pursue careers while managing other responsibilities. These measures are not just about policy—they are about creating a cultural shift that values and supports women in every aspect of life.”

 

Her Excellency Al Hammadi highlighted the UAE’s achievements in leadership representation. “Women now hold 50% of seats in the Federal National Council. In our judiciary, women are now eligible to serve as judges, further demonstrating our commitment to gender equality across all fields. These advancements show that the UAE doesn’t just talk about empowering women—we act on it.”

 

Dr. Dione shed light on the World Bank’s Gender Strategy 2024–2030, which focuses on ending gender-based violence, expanding economic opportunities, and promoting women’s leadership. “Partnerships matter, but action matters more,” he emphasised.

 

The panel concluded with a clear message: advancing gender equality requires collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment. As Her Excellency Al Hammadi summarised, “The UAE’s domestic and international efforts reflect our belief that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a cornerstone for building stronger societies. Our journey is ongoing, and we are committed to leaving no one behind as we move towards a future of true equality.”

 

-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.