ABU DHABI 9 December 2018: As per the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Emirati women’s representation in the Federal National Council (FNC), will be increased to 50 per cent in the coming parliamentary term.
The step reflects the country’s future approach aimed at achieving full empowerment of Emirati women and emphasises their pioneering and effective role in all vital sectors of the UAE, said Wam.
The directives of the President include doubling the current percentage of women’s representation in the Federal National Council from 22.5 per cent to 50 per cent in the coming parliamentary term, and aims to rank the UAE in the top positions worldwide in terms of representation of women in parliament. This will enable the UAE women achieves, in a record time, what has been achieved by their counterparts globally in decades.
President’s directives hailed
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: “The Presidential decree allocating 50% of the seats in the Federal National Council to women is a great leap forwards in cementing the legislative and parliamentary role of women in our nation’s development.
“Women are half of our society: they should be represented as such,” said in a tweet.
Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, FNC Speaker, said: “This historic step is a first in the Arab world and it culminates the full empowerment of the UAE women”.
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and the Dubai Women Establishment, described the move as an auspicious step that will add to the achievements of the UAE women and inspire them to continue their endeavours to excel in all walks of life.
Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, said the wise leadership had envisioned a pioneering role to the women in national development.
“This vision is complemented today by further elevating women’s status and enabling them to play their part in the development of the community and the country at large.”
Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GWU lauded the President’s directives and the leadership’s endevaours to support all citizens, men and women alike.
Reem Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary General of the SCMC described the step as a true evidence of how the UAE women are empowered.
Dr Mouza Al Shehhi, director of UN Women’s Liaison Office in Abu Dhabi said the UAE’s approach of raising women’s representation in the legislative, judicial and diplomatic fields adds to its global and international image.