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SHARJAH / WAM
Dr Salwa Ghaddar Younis, Ambassador of the United Nations (UN), and Chairperson of the Arab Family Organisation (AFO), stated that the UAE is a unique international model of the professional and financial empowerment of women, and the strengthening of their economic position, based on equal opportunities in all commercial areas.
In her statements on the sidelines of the first edition of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Global Summit (WEEGS) at the Expo Centre Sharjah, which will conclude today, Dr. Younis said that indicators concerned with measuring women’s economic performance clearly highlight the desire of the UAE’s wise leadership to promote the role of women in the processes of civilised advancement, community service and comprehensive development, as a critical partner in building the Emirati community and achieving its development goals and future aspirations.
She added that the national and international achievements of Emirati women reflect the belief of the UAE’s leadership in their role as partners in the process of sustainable economic development. She also highlighted the support for Emirati women from HH 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, who has prioritised Emirati women and supported them, until their experience has become a universal model to follow.
Dr Younis noted that international reports confirm the excellence of Emirati women in trade, business, as well as their ability to enter major business sectors, attract investments and contribute to the country’s GDP, highlighting the UAE government’s awareness about the importance of supporting women in all areas, especially in key economic sectors.
She went on to say that the launch of the UAE Gender Balance Council has contributed to the appointment of women as chairpersons on the boards of major private sector companies, with rates reaching 4.5% according to the official statistics, as well as the greater number of women on these boards, with rates exceeding 17%. Around 50,000 companies are owned by some 25,000 businesswomen of various nationalities in the UAE.
The summit aims to mobilise international efforts and expertise to support women and strengthen their economic position based on equal opportunities between men and women, as well as assess the methodologies of creating a global economy suitable for women. The summit is hosting over 70 keynote speakers during 20 sessions, with the aim of achieving sustainable development and women’s economic empowerment by 2030.