Emirati Women Lead UAE’s Landmark Achievements in 2024

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Emirati women have played a pivotal role in the UAE’s most significant achievements during 2024, a year that showcased their expanding presence and growing impact across various fields.

The UAE’s commitment to gender equality reached a new milestone as the nation advanced to 7th place globally and retained its top regional position in the UN Gender Equality Index 2024, issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This accomplishment underscores the success of the UAE’s policies to empower and build the capacities of Emirati women.

A landmark development in governance saw the appointment of Sana bint Mohammed Suhail as the Minister of Family, following the establishment of the new ministry. This move reflects the UAE’s dedication to enhancing women’s representation in leadership roles.

The UAE also launched the National Policy for Improving Women’s Health, a comprehensive initiative aimed at ensuring women have access to the highest standards of preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative healthcare throughout their lives. This policy is a testament to the nation’s prioritization of women’s health in its development agenda.

In the economic domain, the Ministry of Economy introduced a ministerial directive mandating private joint-stock companies to allocate at least one board seat for women, starting January 2025. This directive, part of the UAE’s national economic empowerment strategy, aims to promote diversity in corporate leadership.

Further advancing economic empowerment, the Ministry of Economy and the General Women’s Union signed a cooperation memorandum to unify efforts to enhance women’s roles in sustainable economic development. The partnership focuses on increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs in commercial activities and amplifying their economic contributions locally and regionally.

The General Women’s Union also launched the second phase of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, which equips Emirati women with entrepreneurial skills and supports their ventures in small and medium-sized businesses. This initiative fosters economic independence and promotes women-led enterprises.

During the 2024 UAE Government’s annual meetings, an agreement was signed between the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council and the UAE Gender Balance Council. The collaboration seeks to enhance Emirati women’s participation in the private sector through joint initiatives and programmes.

The achievements of Emirati women are reflected in compelling statistics: women comprised 70% of university graduates in the UAE, constituted 46% of the workforce, and held 68% of public sector positions. Additionally, they occupied nearly one-third of ministerial roles and 50% of seats in the Federal National Council.

These milestones illustrate the UAE’s progressive approach to women’s empowerment, establishing the nation as a global leader in gender equality and inclusivity.