Abu Dhabi: Few countries have experienced, in less than four decades, a huge shift in education and women’s empowerment compared to that of the UAE, a senior official said during the National Media Council event held in the capital on Monday.
“The UAE has made big strides in few years that are similar to what other countries all over the world established over a 100-year period. UAE has made unprecedented achievements in terms of women empowerment, access to education and employment since it was established,” Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairwoman of the Marriage Fund, added.
“Emirati women are main pillar and key partner in the country’s development and thanks to the efforts of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and of Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. Emirati women are now occupying numerous senior posts. Around eight Emirati women were appointed at the Federal National Council and about four with ministerial rank in the cabinet, which emphasises the UAE’s role and its government in promoting the participation of UAE women in the workforce and in leadership positions. Therefore, this continuous support has allowed Emirati women to achieve great success and reach senior positions in the nation’s political, social and economic life,” Maitha said.
The four-day event, which was organised by the National Media Council, aims to celebrate the UAE’S 43rd National Day and mark the country’s milestones in different areas such as education, health, and energy
Maitha has also stressed on the importance of education as vital component of a nation’s population and a significant pillar of any economy structure.
“The UAE has put a great attention and increased spending on early childhood education leading to less than one per cent literacy rate,” Maitha added.
According to statistics published by the Ministry of Education, females account for about 53 per cent, while males account for 42 per cent out of the total students enrolled in the pre-university education system, which means that the number of females reached almost 112 per cent compared to their counterparts of males.
“Now the UAE ranks number one in the world for treating women with respect. Also the UAE leads the Middle East and North Africa in having the narrowest gender gap,” Maitha said.
