Dubai: The UAE Gender Balance Council recently marked its presence at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York. The Council participated in crucial meetings, including a session of the UN Security Council and a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) session focused on women’s empowerment, reinforcing its global commitment to gender equality.
Under the directives of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Council’s participation aligns with the UAE’s efforts to enhance global partnerships and contribute to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 5, aimed at empowering women and girls.
Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, represented the Council at the UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting, advocating for the integration of women’s rights and participation across all sectors. Al Marri highlighted the UAE’s initiatives to promote gender equality and protect women’s rights through international frameworks and national policies.
The Council also took part in a GCC session titled ‘Closing the Gap: Women’s Empowerment in the GCC Region’, showcasing the strides made in gender balance and women’s empowerment within the GCC. The session highlighted the UAE’s leadership in gender equality, thanks to the efforts of prominent figures like H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
The UAE Gender Balance Council has spearheaded numerous projects since its establishment in 2015, focusing on enhancing gender balance, preventing gender-based violence, and integrating gender considerations into the national budget. These efforts underscore the UAE’s dedication to creating equitable opportunities for women and ensuring their full participation in the nation’s development.
Furthermore, Mona Al Marri’s meeting with Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, underscored the Council’s commitment to international cooperation in advancing gender balance and overcoming challenges to women’s empowerment. This collaboration aims to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating the UAE’s leading role in advocating for gender equality on a global stage.
WE RECOMMEND | Emirates’ genetic counseling program