With the commemoration of “Emirati Women’s Day” today, on Wednesday, August 28th, the UAE commemorates a day dedicated to celebrating the exceptional achievements and contributions of Emirati women to the nation’s progress.
This day holds special significance as it marks the founding of the General Women’s Union of the United Arab Emirates, a milestone in the country’s history.
This year’s theme is, “We share for tomorrow,” which aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the Mother of the Nation.
As Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, Sheikha Fatima has been instrumental in ensuring that women’s voices are included in decision-making processes at all levels of government and civil society.
The theme emphasizes the UAE’s commitment to a collaborative approach to achieving national progress, engaging all segments of society to realize its future vision.
Since the country’s founding in 1971, the UAE government has fully supported women’s empowerment, leading to significant strides in gender equality. Moreover, UAE ranks seventh globally and first regionally in the 2024 Gender Inequality Index, issued by the United Nations Development Programme.
And, Emirati Women’s Day highlights these advancements and underscores the importance of continued efforts in women’s empowerment. In recent years, the UAE has enacted a series of laws and legislative reforms addressing various aspects of women’s lives, including equal pay, non-discrimination against pregnant employees, standard maternity leave, protection, political participation, and personal status freedoms.
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These reforms have elevated the status of women and contributed to the UAE’s competitive global standing. Where women can participate meaningfully in a dynamic, modern society and in every facet of social and political life; where women enjoy the same legal status, claim to titles, access to education, the right to practice professions, and the right to inherit property as men.
Two years ago, the UAE launched the Gender Balance Strategy 2022-2026, which is guided by a forward-looking vision to establish the UAE as a global leader in gender balance.
The strategy is structured around four main pillars: economic participation and entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, well-being and quality of life, protection, and global leadership and partnerships.
The aim is to transition from merely closing gender gaps to positioning the UAE as an exporter of best practices in gender balance, moving beyond global competitiveness.
Why is August 28 chosen as Emirati women’s Day?
August 28 was chosen as Emirati Women’s Day to commemorate the founding of the General Women’s Union of the United Arab Emirates.
This special day is dedicated to recognizing the efforts of Emirati women and honoring their dedication, resilience, aspirations, and achievements in shaping the UAE.
Jouslin Khairallah, Founder & Managing Director of Khairallah Advocates and Legal Consultants, Senior Emirati Lawyer
Jouslin Khairallah – is a distinguished legal expert and the founder and managing director of Khairallah Advocates and Legal Consultants, a leading law firm in the UAE.
With over a decade of experience, Jouslin has built a reputation for her profound skills in litigation, advocacy, and legal advisory, representing both corporate entities and individuals in complex cases across various legal domains.
Her leadership and expertise have earned her recognition both within the UAE and on an international level.
On the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day, Jouslin Khairallah always highlights the vital role Emirati women play as leaders in society.
She remarked, “The Emirati woman is a true leader, one who knows her rights and responsibilities and is fully capable of exercising them.”
She further emphasized that the supportive environment within Emirati society has been instrumental in nurturing leadership qualities in women, empowering them to fully realize and practice their rights within the community.
With its robust legislative framework and comprehensive national mechanisms, the United Arab Emirates stands as a leading global example in the protection and promotion of women’s rights.
Happy Emirati Women’s Day!
28th, Aug 2024
