As part of the ongoing collaboration between the General Women’s Union and the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MFNCA), the “Women Empowerment Committee” held its inaugural meeting at the InterContinental Dubai.

The meeting explored ways to support women’s empowerment, enhance their representation in the Federal National Council (FNC), and encourage their active participation in the upcoming elections, which, in turn, further improves the UAE’s rank on the Women’s Empowerment Index, which is an important element of the UAE’s competitiveness.

Furthermor, the meeting looked into ideas to improve communication and coordination among all concerned authorities in the UAE, to harmonise efforts and dedicate all available resources to empower women to take part in FNC elections and join the Council.

His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, attended the meeting, along with H.E. Dr Saeed Al Ghafli, the Ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for FNC Affairs; H.E. Shamsa Saleh, CEO of the Dubai Women Establishment; and representatives from the Ministry of Community Development, the Federal Youth Foundation, the Federal National Council, the National Media Council (NMC), the General Women’s Union, the Gender Balance Council, and a host of women’s empowerment organisations in the UAE.

“Today’s meeting attracted representatives from government entities and civil-society institutions working to support and empower women,” said H.E. Tariq Hilal Lootah. “It reflects the great faith that the UAE has in women and their role in the development efforts transforming the country. Emirati women have ventured into all sectors and proven themselves to be a fundamental component in promoting the UAE’s status around the world.”

“These achievements were made possible by the constant empowerment from the UAE’s wise leadership, who has always believed in women and their role in driving success and excellence across administrative, economic and political sectors,” H.E. added, asserting that the UAE is a leader in the region and the world in terms of women’s participation. H.E. Lootah lauded the immense role played by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, in supporting and empowering women in the UAE.

The Women Empowerment Committee includes Ministry of Community Development, the Federal Youth Foundation, the Federal National Council, the National Media Council, the General Women’s Union, and the Gender Balance Council.

Also on the Committee are representatives from many women’s empowerment organisations operating in the UAE, namely: Women Renaissance Association in Dubai, Sharjah Women’s Union Association, Umm Al Moumineen Women’s Association in Ajman, Women Association Society in Umm Al Quwain, Women’s Renaissance Association in Ras Al Khaimah, and the Court of H.H. the Ruler of Fujairah.