Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the significant progress achieved on gender balance by the UAE government, and awarded winners of an initiative designed to foster gender equality.
Certificates and medals were awarded by Sheikh Mohammed in the categories of “best government entity supporting gender balance”, “best federal authority supporting gender balance” and “best gender balance initiative” at a ceremony on Sunday.
“The achievements of Emirati women today reaffirm the wise vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who believed in the importance of the role of women, and their right to work and become key partners in society,” he said according to the official WAM news agency.
General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, was awarded as the “Best Personality Supporting Gender Balance”.
He was selected in this category for his efforts to enhance the participation of women in the UAE military, which has the highest percentage of participation in the Arab world. He was also recognized foreground for his role in supporting the amendment of the decision of maternal leave for women in the military, as well as providing equal opportunities for men and women and creating a supportive environment for both.
The UAE’s Gender Balance Index awards recognize progress made in government departments over the last year in meeting female participation goals set by the government in 2015.
Efforts by Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Gender Balance Council were also recognized.
The Council was praised for its exceptional projects that helped achieve the nation’s goals of gender balance.
It was also lauded for launching several international initiatives, which reflect the UAE's commitment to actively contribute to global efforts in achieving Goal 5 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
