We believe that Women both are equal parts of society and our society can only move forward if both halves are given equal opportunities. International Women’s Day is annually celebrated on 8 March to highlight the most prominent women’s issues in the international community throughout the year. The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) declared that women’s global action to support their rights and achieve gender equality is unprecedented.
In the UAE, women receive unlimited support from our wise leadership; HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Every day, Emirati women make remarkable achievements that exceed all expectations and prove their ability to play all the roles assigned to them. Not only have they succeeded in forming a successful and cohesive society, but also, they have managed to reach further horizons to achieve their potential and aspirations.
Emirati women have become key partners in leading sustainable development, and have held the highest positions in sovereign, executive and legislative authorities. They have played important roles in space research, creative and innovative development sectors, including renewable and clean energy, nuclear power, aviation technology, among others, in addition to domestic and international social activities. Today, the UAE has one of the highest rates of female education in the world, with over 70% of females having a university education. There are more than 72 international universities and colleges in the country. The UAE is the leading country for respecting women and has the narrowest gender gap in the MENA region. 70% are employed in the government, and one-third of the Council of Ministers members are women. This supports the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who once said, “The UAE went beyond the stage of women’s empowerment. We are now empowering the community through women.”
In the Year of Zayed, we all remember the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in supporting Emirati women, especially women’s issues. His wise vision of building the nation was through supporting women. He believed that a community that wants to build itself cannot give up half of its members. He provided all the necessary support to establish the General Women’s Union, which became one of the pillars of the federal structure of the UAE. It is also a major turning point in the advancement of women, based on the firm belief that society needs the efforts of all its children, both men and women, to continue its process of development with confidence.
Emirati Women’s Day was declared by HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (Mother of the Nation). The UAE celebrates it on 28 August each year as one of the most important national events to mark the achievements of Emirati women, and their efforts to achieve development and prosperity in the UAE, through local, regional, and international innovation and creativity.
On this day, we also have to thank the mothers and wives of martyrs who have set the finest examples of giving to their homeland. The remarkable achievements made by the UAE’s women in different fields are the results of hard work, a clear approach, and our ongoing efforts. We are proud of Emirati women, and have great hope in their contribution to achieving our ambitious development goals.
At DEWA, we extend our gratitude and appreciation to our 1860 female staff. We reaffirm our support to them to reach the highest standards of excellence. We are also committed to support them to play their role as mothers and caregivers for new generations. As HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, once observed, “Our job is to create an environment for women’s capabilities, an environment that preserves their dignity and femininity, helps them balance their lives and appreciates their talents and energies.”