During the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Women’s Affairs held in St. Petersburg, the UAE emphasized the need for international cooperation to advance gender balance. The summit, which took place on Friday, brought together BRICS nations to share insights and strategies related to empowering women. The theme of the meeting was “Women, Governance, and Leadership,” focusing on how nations can collaborate to overcome barriers to gender equality and foster inclusive economic and social progress.
Representing the UAE was the Gender Balance Council, with Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the Council, leading the delegation. Al Marri underscored the UAE’s progress in promoting women’s leadership roles, particularly in government and business. “Nine women serve as ministers, making up almost one third of the UAE cabinet. Women now make up over 50% of our Federal National Council, demonstrating the country’s commitment to inclusive governance. Today, 70% of our university graduates and 57% of STEM graduates are women. Over 34% of key leadership roles in the private sector are held by women,” Al Marri stated in her address.
The UAE delegation also highlighted the country’s dedication to embedding gender balance within its broader sustainable development goals, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5.
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, reiterated the country’s dedication to gender equality. “Gender equality is a core pillar of the UAE’s national vision and an integral part of its development strategy,” she noted, stressing that these values are inspired by the nation’s founding leaders. Sheikha Manal credited the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the ongoing efforts of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), for shaping the UAE’s approach to gender balance.
The meeting offered BRICS nations the opportunity to exchange best practices and explore ways to further empower women in governance and leadership roles, with the UAE sharing its success stories and efforts in building a more gender-inclusive future.
