His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the increase of women representation in the Federal National Council (FNC) to 50 percent in the coming parliamentary term.
Under the directive, women’s representation in the FNC for the coming parliamentary term must increase from 22.5 percent to 50 percent.
The move seeks to reflect the country’s goal of empowering women in the country and the goal to become the best country worldwide in terms of representation of women in parliament.
Several government officials lauded H.H. Sheikh Khalifa following the announcement of the order.
Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council, FNC, said in a statement, “This historic step is a first in the Arab world and it culminates the full empowerment of the UAE women,” Al Qubaisi added.
H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs H.H. 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.
H.E. 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 endeavors to support all citizens, men and women alike.
Al 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.
