Make sure the 28th is marked
Last December, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of the UAE, passed a new law which will allow women to occupy 50 percent of the country’s Federal National Council in next year’s election. This is one of many steps that the UAE has taken over the years to increase women’s roles and representation within the state. Other efforts includes Emirati Women’s Day, and here is what you need to know.
This year, on August 28, we will celebrate the fifth annual Emirati Women’s Day, after first being launched in 2015. The date was chosen by HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, to coincide with the birth of the General Women’s Union on August 28, 1975. Ahead of the celebrations, the Royal announced that this year’s theme will centre around ‘Women, Icons of Tolerance.’ She said that Emirati community is tolerant by nature, adding that women exemplify the values of tolerance via their patience, care, and ability to raise future generations, as well as their success in various fields of work.
“Our religion has led us on the correct path by making tolerance the basis of our coexistence and acceptance of others,” Sheikha Fatima added, noting that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan emphasised this message as a core value in building the UAE.
When it comes to women’s rights and representation, the UAE’S got it right. In the last few years alone, the Dubai Women Establishment has been set up, as has the Gender Balance Council, and the government is looking at improving the country’s maternity laws. Moreover, we have seen the formation of the Gender Balance Council and special military schools for women. The presence of Emirati is various fields like space sciences, technology, engineering and medicine is a key factor in the development of the country.
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