UAE: 20-year-old Jameela al-Masoud’s groundbreaking achievements garner her prestigious accolade

Her stunning achievements in scientific research and public health have earned Jameela al-Masoud, a 20-year-old Emirati, a spot on the list of Global 200 Powerful Women Leaders for 2024 by the White Page International Conclave at a young age.

But Jameela hasn’t had a memorable start. Her journey has often involved significant challenges, including early scepticism from a prominent scientist. “You’ll not succeed for the rest of your life. This is just a fleeting period of time,” he told her, as per Khaleej Times.

Nonetheless, Jameela has never been the one to pack up and leave. She resolved to prove him incorrect, stressing at the time: “Give me just one year and I’ll be back with something that will shock you.” Her journey has been nothing but inspirational.

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Jameela puts a strong fight against challenges

True to her declaration, Jameela al-Masoud made a strong return less than a year later. She published a paper in the esteemed journal Microbiology Resource Announcements. It is, in every sense, a rare progress made by an undergraduate student before turning 20 years old.

Despite the early achievement, the young Emirati scientist’s journey found more hurdles. She faced rejection from a prestigious lab before starting her PhD. The lab head apparently rejected her application due to her age and perceived inexperience, as per media reports.

But Jameela puts up a strong fight against challenges. In less than a month, she received PhD positions at a couple of top universities across the globe. She ultimately decided to join the prestigious University College London (UCL).

“I hope to inspire others to look beyond the obvious”

Currently, Jameela al-Masoud serves as the University College Dublin (UCD) ambassador in the Middle East. She also recently got elected to the Global Youth Council in the UK. Her academic background is nothing short of impressive.

The Emirati seeks to be unique and not just another scientist tracing the popular path.  She already has three majors in Genetics, Cancer Biology and Neuroscience, besides additional credentials from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University.

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“By bringing fresh, multifaceted approaches to the table, I hope to inspire others to look beyond the obvious,” Jameela explained. In the longer term, she seeks to advance scientific research, especially in genetics and cancer biology, and help in global public health initiatives.

Jameela seeks to inspire and mentor the next generation

In her message to the female population in the UAE, Jameela emphasised resilience and pride, as per Khaleej Times. Highlighting their strength to shape the future and uplift those around them, she added: “Your spirit and perseverance are the true treasures of our nation.”

Jameela al-Masoud is interested in inspiring and mentoring the next generation, helping them understand that determination makes numerous things possible. Her groundbreaking achievements being recognised by the international accolade is a great development for all.

Global 200 Powerful Women Leaders is a nomination-based selection of 200 leaders globally in various categories like Human Resources, Technology, Healthcare, Education, Chief Executive Officers and more. The leaders are selected by international jury members.

Gender equality of paramount importance in the UAE

The UAE is ranked as a leading country in gender equality in the region, according to the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report. Through a series of public and private sector initiatives, the female Emirati population is playing an increasingly stronger role in different departments.

Gender equality is of great importance in the UAE. The Constitution guarantees equal rights for both men and women. Every person enjoys the same legal status, access to education, the right to practice professions, claim to titles and the right to inherit property.

1. Equality in education

These days, more women than men complete secondary education and enroll in university and post-graduate institutions. The literacy rate of women in the UAE is 95.8%. 56% of UAE government university graduates in STEM are female students.

2. Business opportunities

The female population in the UAE participates actively in the private sector. They have equal rights to economic resources. In 2021, the UAE security and commodities authority issued a mandate that listed companies must have at least one woman on their board of directors.

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3. Participation in government operations

The Emirati women’s participation is particularly strong in the public sector. The UAE Gender Balance Council is a federal entity responsible for developing and implementing initiatives and projects to enhance gender balance.

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Over the years, the UAE has been noting impressive results in the field of gender balance. The country advanced to the 7th rank globally and first regionally in the Gender Inequality Index 2024, rising from its 49th place in 2015 and 11th in 2022.

The UAE has become an inspiring global model for gender balance. The results reflect the Emirati leadership’s vision and political determination and commitment to advancing development, progress and social and economic prosperity.

HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, previously highlighted the leadership’s eagerness to enhance the female population’s representation across political, economic and social fields through better legislation and initiatives.

UAE’s dedication to advancing gender balance globally

HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, has also been playing a significant role in improving the state of gender equality in the UAE through a number of national programmes and targeted initiatives aimed at ensuring equitable opportunities in different domains.

In June 2024, the UAE Gender Balance Council participated in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s forum on ‘Gender Equality: Navigating Global Transitions’ in Paris. The event explored strategies to advance gender equality amidst global issues.

The Emirati delegation emphasised the country’s dedication to advancing gender balance globally, especially in tech, environment, sustainability and green economy – besides improving the female population’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles.

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Initiatives by UAE government to advance gender balance

1. UAE Gender Balance Council

Established in 2015, the UAE GBC seeks to promote gender balance across the country. It implements policies and initiatives to enhance the female population’s participation in different fields of employment. It has brought notable improvements.

2. Labour regulations and female judges

Since 2019, the UAE has taken steps to reduce gender in qualities in its legal system, including amending criminal, personal status and labour rules. In 2008, the Gulf state became the first country to appoint a female judge in a landmark move.

3. Placing anti-discrimination rules

The UAE strictly prohibits any sort of discrimination based on gender and sex. Both the public and private sectors in the country have implemented measures to support the female population enhance their career advancement opportunities.

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4. Dubai Women Establishment (DWE)

Dubai Women Establishment is dedicated to helping the strong female population in the city economically, socially and professionally. It provides support services and training programmes to enhance people’s skills and facilitate their career advancement.

5. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Academy

Established to promote the Emirati female population’s participation in sports and physical activities, the academy has made significant contributions in this direction over the years. It encourages healthy lifestyles and challenges gender stereotypes in athletics.