The United Arab Emirates has seen its birth as a nation and its metamorphosis into a global economic, cultural, and diplomatic powerhouse in just 50 years. As a young country with a vision for the future, the UAE has always set an example for its citizens by emphasizing progressive principles and equal opportunity. The country’s treatment of women as equal partners is a perfect example of this. The UAE is determined to guarantee that women continue to make great gains, while keeping entrenched in its early traditions of respect for women’s contributions to society and looking to the future. As the worldwide community gathers on Friday to observe Human Rights Day, we must take a minute to reflect on how far we’ve come and imagine a society in which women lead the way to greater progress and prosperity.
Women’s empowerment has been a priority for the government since the country’s creation in 1971. The UAE is a vibrant, modern society in which women play an active role in all aspects of social and political life. Women have the same legal position, claim to titles, access to education, right to perform professions, and right to inherit property as men under the Constitution. Women’s voices have historically been incorporated in decision-making at all levels of government and civil society thanks to the assistance provided by Sheikha Fatima, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union. It’s no wonder, then, that women hold 29% of cabinet positions in the UAE, one of the highest numbers in the Middle East. In addition, women make up half of the Federal National Council, the UAE’s consultative parliamentary body, and nearly half of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s workforce.