Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the president of the UAE Gender Balance Council, expressed her satisfaction with the increasing progress of gender equity in various sectors of the nation. She attributed this positive transformation to the government’s forward-thinking policies that promote gender equality. As a testament to the nation’s commitment to fostering gender balance, eight major national and international companies across diverse industries have recently joined the “SDG 5 Pledge to Accelerate Gender Balance in the UAE Private Sector” initiative. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5, aimed at achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.Under the auspices of the UAE’s voluntary pledge, a total of 64 companies are now actively participating, demonstrating their dedication to supporting and promoting gender balance within their organizations.Sheikha Manal expressed her pride in witnessing a growing awareness within the UAE’s private sector about the importance of gender equality. She emphasized the significance of businesses supporting the government’s efforts in this regard, as it not only fosters a more inclusive and equitable society but also contributes to the nation’s overall economic prosperity, social stability, and sustainable growth.The initiative’s primary goal is to increase the representation of women in senior and middle management roles to 30 percent by the year 2025. By encouraging women’s participation in leadership positions, the initiative aims to break down gender barriers, promote diversity, and create a more inclusive work environment that harnesses the full potential of all employees, regardless of gender.The UAE Gender Balance Council has been a driving force in promoting gender equality and empowering women across various sectors. It has worked tirelessly to create opportunities and eliminate barriers that hinder women’s progress in the workforce. Through strategic initiatives and policies, the council has paved the way for women to take on leadership roles and contribute significantly to the nation’s growth and development.In addition to the private sector’s growing involvement, the public sector has also played a crucial role in advancing gender balance in the UAE. The government’s commitment to promoting gender equality is reflected in various initiatives, policies, and laws aimed at empowering women and ensuring their equal participation in all aspects of society.The “SDG 5 Pledge to Accelerate Gender Balance in the UAE Private Sector” initiative stands as a testament to the UAE’s dedication to gender equality and the empowerment of women. By actively involving companies from diverse industries, the initiative fosters a collaborative approach to address gender disparities in the workplace and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women to thrive.Sheikha Manal’s leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in driving positive change and advancing gender equality in the UAE. Her vision and dedication have inspired numerous individuals and organizations to embrace gender balance as a core value and contribute to the nation’s progress.The growing participation of companies in the “SDG 5 Pledge” reflects a collective commitment to creating a gender-balanced workforce that recognizes and harnesses the unique talents and perspectives of both men and women. By leveraging the talents of all individuals, businesses can drive innovation, improve decision-making processes, and foster a more sustainable and prosperous future for the UAE.As the UAE continues its journey towards greater gender equality, the commitment and collaboration of both the public and private sectors will play a pivotal role in achieving this important societal goal. By championing gender balance, the UAE is not only building a more equitable society but also setting an example for other nations to follow in the pursuit of a fair and inclusive world.
Emirates’ Progressive Policies Drive Gender Balance in the UAE Private Sector
