Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), the GWU has launched the first phase of the National Programme for Qualifying Cadres in Women's and Girls' Rights. This initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society organisations and stakeholders in the UAE focused on women's and girls' rights.
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme is implemented in cooperation with the UAE's Permanent Committee on Human Rights and the UN Human Rights Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa. It is part of the nation's broader efforts in the human rights domain and is based on constitutional and legal principles supporting equality and non-discrimination, such as the Law Against Discrimination and Hatred of 2019 and the Federal Decree-Law No. (13) of 2024 on Protection Against Domestic Violence.
The initiative underscores the UAE's dedication to international treaties and conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 2004, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the UAE NAP for implementing UN SCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of GWU, emphasized that the programme embodies the UAE's vision to advance women's and girls' empowerment. This vision is supported by the nation's leadership and H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, a committed advocate for women's empowerment across various sectors.