Abu Dhabi: The UAE, represented by the UAE Gender Balance Council, participated in the second technical meeting of the G20 Women’s Empowerment Working Group, held in South Africa under the country’s G20 Presidency. The UAE delegation featured Mouza Mohammed Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, and Maitha Al Hashimi, Director of Strategic Studies and Legislation, who emphasized key national initiatives to advance gender balance and women’s empowerment.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Council’s presentation focused on the UAE’s success in eliminating gender-based violence, strengthening the care economy, and expanding financial inclusion. The delegation also emphasized national strategies to increase women’s representation in leadership roles. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, highlighted the UAE’s contributions to G20 discussions and the alignment between the Working Group’s priorities and the nation’s women’s empowerment agenda.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri underscored that empowering women across sectors is a national objective supported by legislation, institutional support, capacity-building programs, and ambitious targets. These measures have driven gains in women’s leadership within government, business, technology, and the green economy. She also stressed the importance of international collaboration through platforms such as the G20 Women’s Empowerment Working Group.
Mouza Al Suwaidi spoke at the meeting, highlighting UAE efforts to advance women in leadership roles across sectors. National policies and leadership support have significantly increased women’s representation in decision-making positions. Women now hold 50 percent of the seats in the Federal National Council and around one-third of cabinet positions, with growing representation in judiciary, diplomatic corps, and senior executive roles. The Equal Pay for Equal Work Law implemented in 2018 has further supported women’s movement into top leadership positions.
Al Suwaidi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to financial inclusion, underscoring constitutional guarantees and Central Bank policies that ensure women have equal access to financial services. She emphasized the UAE’s commitment to advancing women’s financial autonomy and economic participation, supported by laws ensuring equal rights to own property, access credit, and engage in commercial activities.
She also highlighted the expanding care economy, backed by comprehensive laws and policies like maternity and parental leave, remote work options, and on-site nurseries in government workplaces. In 2024, the UAE launched the Ministry of Family Affairs to further support family stability. The UAE’s approach to addressing gender-based violence includes robust legislation and protective frameworks.
Concluding her remarks, Al Suwaidi expressed appreciation for the G20 platform to share knowledge, shape dialogue, and drive collective action toward gender equality. The UAE looks forward to continuing the partnership to work toward equal rights, opportunities, and safety for future generations.
On the meeting’s sidelines, Mouza Al Suwaidi engaged with several high-level officials to explore partnerships and exchange expertise in gender balance policy. Her discussions included meetings with Sindisiwe Chikunga of South Africa, Dr. Maimoona Al Khalil of Saudi Arabia, Anil Malik from India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development, Reinaldo Luther Yusak Lolong of Indonesia, Leow Sui Lin of Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development, and Wendy Teleki of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative.