UAE - Striving for Enhanced Gender Equality Across All Sectors

On 15 June, Dubai hosted the region’s inaugural 'Women to Watch' conference. The event provided an excellent opportunity to reflect on the country's progress in women's rights and gender equality in recent years.

Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are crucial goals within the United Nations' sustainability agenda. In the Middle East and North Africa region, gender equality rankings have often been disappointing. However, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with other Gulf countries, has made considerable efforts to challenge this legacy. The UAE has notably achieved this by appointing more women to prominent political positions and implementing significant reforms to protect women's rights, including the enactment of laws against domestic violence.

During the October 2019 Federal National Council (FNC) elections, approximately 36 per cent of the total nominations were women. Out of the 20 newly elected members, seven were women, making the UAE one of the pioneering nations to have women comprising half of the FNC members. Moreover, women hold crucial positions in portfolios related to women's empowerment at the national and international levels, such as international cooperation, social development, public education, and youth.

The UAE has also received well-deserved recognition in various gender-related rankings and reports in recent years. In the World Bank's 'Women, Business and the Law' 2021 report, the UAE secured the top spot in the Middle East and North Africa region. Similarly, in the Global Gender Gap Report 2021 by the World Economic Forum, the UAE ranked first in the Arab world. The UAE also claimed the top position globally in nine competitive indicators associated with advancing the fifth Sustainable Development Goal (i.e., gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls) in 2021. These achievements reflect the UAE's significant progress in promoting gender equality and driving positive change across various sectors. 

The commitment to empowering women is not limited to the federal government alone but extends to the private sector as well. In December 2012, the UAE Government mandated the inclusion of Emirati women on the boards of directors of federal bodies, private companies, and institutions. This move aimed to promote greater female representation and participation in decision-making roles. 

Moreover, the establishment of the UAE Gender Balance Council in May 2015 underscores the government's dedication to ensuring ongoing progress for Emirati women in national development. The Council plays a vital role in reviewing legislation, policies, and programmes to foster gender balance in the workplace and society as a whole.

In 2022, the UAE Gender Balance Council introduced the "SDG 5 Pledge to Accelerate Gender Balance in the UAE Private Sector" initiative, which has garnered support from 64 companies operating in the UAE, including European giants BASF, Nestle, and Unilever, which joined the initiative upon its inception, and ENGIE, which joined in late May 2023. The goal of the initiative is to increase women's representation in senior and middle management positions to 30 per cent by 2025.

While further progress is needed in the region and beyond, the UAE sets a commendable example on the regional journey towards achieving gender equality.