The UAE advocated for global cooperation to enhance gender equality during the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Women’s Affairs in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Friday. The UAE was represented by its Gender Balance Council. The meeting, themed 'Women, Governance, and Leadership,' offered a vital forum for BRICS nations to share experiences and best practices in women's empowerment. Member countries also explored avenues for collaboration to address challenges and promote inclusive economic and social progress.
The UAE delegation, led by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, showcased the country’s accomplishments in advancing women's leadership. Mona Al Marri emphasized the significant progress the UAE has made in elevating women’s roles in leadership and governance: 'Nine women serve as ministers, comprising nearly one third of the UAE cabinet. Women now account for over 50% of our Federal National Council, reflecting the country’s dedication to inclusive governance. Today, 70% of our university graduates and 57% of STEM graduates are women. Over 34% of key leadership positions in the private sector are held by women,' she stated at the meeting.
The delegation also discussed the UAE’s efforts to integrate gender balance into its sustainable development strategies. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, underscored the UAE's commitment to global collaboration in advancing gender balance across all sectors. She reiterated that gender equality is a fundamental pillar of the UAE's national vision and a core component of its development strategy, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
Sheikha Manal highlighted the UAE's enduring commitment to gender balance, inspired by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak 'Mother of the Nation,' Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).
