Abu Dhabi: Women voters pledged to take part in the Federal National Council (FNC) elections on Saturday and said they will vote for those whom they believe would make a change in the performance of the House.
"It is imperative that women contribute in the FNC elections. We should set an example for the new generation," said Suad Al Sarkal, 26, spokeswoman at the Shaikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding.
Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and Chairperson of the General Women's Union, said: "Today, we are at the threshold of the FNC elections, which shows [that the] Emirati woman is in her golden age. Due to confidence vested on women by our prudent leadership, [the] Emirati woman is represented by 46 per cent of... electoral colleges nationwide."
Emirati women believe that since they have the right to be educated, they should thus have the right to play a role in the politics of their own country.
Hence they will utilise this opportunity to bring about change and maintain their well-being in what is also their own society.
"[The condition of women] has currently evolved. Today we have the right, just as men to take part in the elections. We are as educated... and should have equal opportunities to make a difference in the economy and development of our country," said Ayesha Al Mutaiwi, 23, external affairs officer at Zayed University.
"Women constitute a major part of the society so when [a woman] takes part in the elections, she would be reflecting a large portion of the society [and] expressing their problems and needs," said Thuraya Al Shamsi, head of health and environment development at the Family Development Foundation.
