Emirati Women Leading the World: From Space Missions to Global Diplomacy

Last updated on September 10th, 2024 at 07:48 am

Today when we are on August 28th, a part of our global is celebrating feminine. They are praising women today. Today a small gulf nation UAE is celebrating Emirati Women’s Day. They used to celebrate annually and honor the outstanding achievements and contributions of Emirati women to the progress of women in society and women’s contribution in the growth of the nation. On this occasion UAE is expressing extended her gratitude and thanks to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak who is Mother of the Nation UAE, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation  “We Share for Tomorrow.” 

UAE’s Minister of Culture Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi stated, “Guided by science, knowledge, and faith, the country has been a pioneer in empowering women across vital sectors, investing in their capabilities, skills, and experiences. Today, this empowerment stands as a model across various fields.”

He also highlighted the most recent remarkable achievement of UAE in the 2024 Human Development Report issued by the United Nations Development Programme. Where UAE ranked seventh globally and first regionally in the Gender Equality Index. 

If we start counting the achievements of the, then according to UNESCO, UAE this year 61% of STEM graduates in the UAE are women. UAE stands out for its success in advancing women in the study of these fields.

Apart from this UAE is growing faster in girls’ education and business sectors. 

These achievements are leading Emirati women to grow and reach different corners of the world. 

The UAE, as the only country in the MENA region to have achieved gender parity in its parliament, is ranked 40th globally for advancing women’s political empowerment, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024.

According to the UAE embassy’s report, Nine women currently serve in the UAE Cabinet, including HE Shamma Al Mazrui, the Minister of State for Community Development. In 2016, at the age of 22, she became the world’s youngest minister when she was appointed as Minister of State for Youth Affairs.

Another big name is  Her Excellency Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh who has become the UAE’s first female Permanent Representative to the UN. She is also the 5th woman of the UAE who is serving as an ambassador. Nusseibeh was elected Vice President of the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, representing the Asia-Pacific Group of Member States, and later led the UAE’s Presidency of the UN Security Council in 2022. She currently serves as the UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Fatima Al Kaabi is another name whom youth can remember today, she has received the UAE Pioneer Award and was recognized as the youngest Emirati inventor at the age of 15.

In 2004, the UAE signed the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. And UAE has also provided women’s empowerment programs through multilateral institutions.

Emirati Women’s Day 2024 celebrates these extraordinary leaders and their invaluable contributions, reflecting a legacy of excellence and progress. This day also emphasizes their growing influence on the international stage. Their leadership and contributions continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations, reflecting a legacy of excellence and progress.