UAE Gender Council Highlights Progress at G20 Women’s Meet in SA

UAE Gender Balance Council Shares Key Milestones at G20 Women’s Empowerment Meeting in South Africa

Dubai, May 13: The UAE Gender Balance Council showcased the nation’s outstanding accomplishments in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment during the G20 Women’s Empowerment Working Group meeting, which was held in South Africa from May 8 to 9. During South Africa’s G20 Presidency, leaders from around the world convened to debate inclusive growth ideas.

The UAE delegation was led by Maitha Al Hashimi, Director of Strategic Studies and Legislation, and Mouza Mohammed Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the Council. They emphasized the UAE’s dynamic progress in incorporating gender balance into its national development goal, as well as a comprehensive approach that encompasses legislative reforms, strategic initiatives, and policy innovation.
The UAE’s initiatives in vital areas like preventing gender-based violence, bolstering the care economy, and guaranteeing greater financial participation for women were highlighted in the Council’s presentation. The nation’s ongoing progress in raising the number of women in leadership positions in the public and business sectors was a major focus.

The Council’s vice president, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, praised the alignment between the UAE’s gender equality goals and the G20 Working Group’s principles. She credited H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Council, for her pioneering leadership, which has paved the way for substantial and measurable advancements in women’s empowerment.

“Our success stems from forward-thinking policies, institutional backing, and tailored programmes that support women’s growth in government, business, emerging technologies, and sustainability sectors,” said Al Marri.

Mouza Al Suwaidi explained to the audience the inclusive political environment in the UAE, noting that women currently hold approximately 50% of the Federal National Council and a third of cabinet ministerial positions. She underlined how women are now more represented in the judiciary, diplomatic missions and corporate boardrooms due to strong legal frameworks and broad support.

Al Suwaidi reiterated the UAE’s commitment to financial empowerment and equal access. He cited the Equal Pay for Equal Work Law of 2018, Central Bank regulations, and constitutional guarantees to increase economic inclusion for women in all sectors.

The council also highlighted the growing care sector in the UAE, which is being strengthened by innovative family-friendly policies such as workplace nurseries, flexible work schedules, and maternity and paternity leave. The establishment of the Ministry of Family Affairs in 2024 was hailed as a historic step to promote social welfare and family unity.

The country’s continued commitment to eliminating gender-based violence through strong protection legislation and national awareness efforts that ensure the safety and dignity of women was equally emphasized.

“The G20 forum offers a vital platform to share impactful experiences and foster collective progress,” Al Suwaidi noted. “We remain committed to a global future where gender parity is not just a goal, but a lived reality for all.”

On the sidelines, Al Suwaidi held a series of high-level meetings with international counterparts, including officials from South Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative, to discuss future collaborations and policy exchange in gender empowerment.