UAE Achieves Milestone In Gender Balance, Ranks Seventh Globally

The UAE has marked a significant achievement in the area of gender equality by climbing to the seventh spot globally in the Gender Inequality Index 2024 of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The announcement was made during the meetings of the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. The event is being held in New York from March 11 to 22. The UAE's progress showcases its rise from previous rankings of 49th place in 2015 and 11th in 2022.

The UAE Gender Balance Council is participating in the event.

Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, credited the country's global standing in gender balance to the visionary leadership and ongoing support from Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, also known as Mother of the Nation.

"Our wise leadership's profound commitment and support for gender balance and their eagerness to enhance women's representation across economic, political, and social fields through pioneering legislation and initiatives have led made this exceptional achievement possible," Sheikha Manal was quoted as saying by WAM.

"Improving the UAE's ranking in global reports and indicators strengthens its position as a global and regional model for gender balance," she added.

Sheikha Manal said that the strong partnership between all state departments alongside cooperation of the private sector has played a key role in achieving this status on the global level.

She noted that the wise leaders of the UAE's "belief in women's abilities and the supportive environment created for their success have propelled Emirati women to influential roles across vital sectors," adding that women are making key decisions in pivotal sectors.

Sheikha Manal went on to thank the insightful vision of the leadership in the UAE that women have received considerable attention, advancing the country to a prominent international position in gender balance.

She expressed pride in the government's dedication to supporting women, noting that Emirati women play a significant and impactful role in the country's development.

A delegation from the UAE, led by the UAE Gender Balance Council's Vice President Mona Ghanem Al Marri, was sent to New York for the event, including Hanan Ahli, Council Member, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC)

On the sidelines of the event, Al Marri met with Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office at the United Nations Development Program, to discuss potential cooperation and the Human Development Report for 2024.