UAE’s Gender Balance Council will empower women, Sheikha Jawaher says

DUBAI // The Gender Balance Council is a step towards empowering women and enhancing their contribution towards the development of the UAE, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi said.

The chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and honorary patron of Sharjah Business Women Council said the GBC, which was approved by the Cabinet at the end of May, would support women to achieve success both locally and internationally. The wife of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, said: “Emirati women managed to move up to top executive positions in the public and private sectors, thanks to the wise leadership’s vision and support.

“Emirati women have also proved their ability to contribute to the social and economic development locally, regionally and globally.”

Sheikha Jawaher also welcomed the appointment of Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum as the president of the GBC. She said it was an acknowledgement of her outstanding efforts and continuous work in supporting and empowering Emirati women to become community leaders, and a driving force for the country’s ongoing development.

“The UAE leadership has worked devotedly, since the early years of the creation of the Union, on women’s education and abilities to help them enter the job market, as well as to provide a supportive and appropriate environment for them,” Sheikha Jawaher said. “This was an important issue for the late Sheikh Zayed, and is continued by the UAE leaders of today.”

She also praised 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, for her outstanding efforts and significant role in supporting UAE women.

Sheikha Fatima’s guidance and leadership had a significant impact on the status of Emirati women today, she said.

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