Dubai: Inspiring stories and achievements of 24 Emirati women who have contributed to the nation’s development and progress have been documented in a book launched on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day on Sunday.
In just another way to celebrate the valuable contributions of Emirati women who have prospered in different fields, a book called Emaratiyah… UAE’s Inspiring Women was put together by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) to celebrate the occasion and highlight the success achieved by women in society.
The book features biographies of 24 talented Emirati women from across diverse professions in the UAE, detailing backgrounds of their life and what they have managed to accomplish. The featured women are those who have contributed to different domains of life such as economic, cultural, scientific and social fields.
During the unveiling of the first edition of the book on Sunday, several women featured in the book gathered to appreciate the support they have received from the UAE’s leadership, who, they said, have always believed in women’s capabilities. They also expressed their pride in how Emirati women have been able to advance to the highest levels across all sectors and assume leading positions.
Speaking at the event, Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of FCSA, who presented the book and awarded the women, said women are the main partners in leading the progress witnessed in the UAE and have made their mark and shown their exceptional skills on a local and international level.
“This celebration today is a celebration of our sisters, wives, and mothers. Emirati women have always been dedicated to what they do and have shown exceptional skills in every role they have assumed. The role of Emirate women has rapidly expanded and evolved since the establishment of the union and their contributions are visible in all aspects of UAE life,” she said.
She added that the UAE had achieved the 19th place in gender equality and also achieved first place in an indicator that measures respect towards women.
Thuraya Al Zaabi, the first woman to participate in the Paralympics, spoke about the support she had received from her family and from UAE’s leadership when joining championships abroad. “With all the support I received, it made me want to work harder, push myself to win and make my country proud by raising the flag after every gold medal,” she said.
Businesswoman Dr Shaikha Ali Salem Al Maskari, 77, also featured in the book for her achievements as a philanthropist and the first petroleum engineer in the GCC. She said: “There is no other country in the Middle East that appreciates women like the UAE. I grew up getting all the support I need from the late Shaikh Zayed [Bin Sultan Al Nahyan] and Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women’s Union (GWU), Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and without their encouragement I wouldn’t have reached here today.”
Dr Mariam Mattar, founder and chairperson of UAE Genetic Disease Association and one of the 24 women, said, “We have to always remember the essential partnership between Emirati women and men because it is the main equation behind the success of the UAE.”
The FCSA had presented a pre-selection list of 100 women to an independent advisory committee, then the top 24 candidates were selected based on several criteria marking the women’s contribution to the UAE’s development.
Some of the achievements in numbers and statistics:
There are eight ministers in the current UAE cabinet, making up 27.5 per cent of ministerial roles.
Emirati women are currently leading the Federal National Council, the country’s highest legislative authority, along with the occupancy of nine seats on the council, making its 22.5 per cent of women representation one of the highest in parliamentary bodies in the region.
There are over 23,000 registered businesswomen in the UAE running investment worth Dh42 billion.
Since joining the labour force, women’s participation increased by 400 per cent
Women make up 66 per cent of public sector workers, with 30 per cent in leadership roles and 15 per cent in technical and academic roles. Also, 44 per cent of leadership roles in federal entities are taken by women
Women in the UAE make up 65 per cent of total higher education graduates, and they have been active participants in previously male-denominated roles such as judiciary, aviation, military and defence and law enforcement.
