UAE Enters Top 10 for Gender Inequality Index 2024

The UAE has attained a significant milestone in global gender balance, climbing to seventh place in the Gender Inequality Index 2024, a remarkable ascent from its previous positions.

This achievement was acknowledged by the United Nations Development Programme during the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, credited the nation's leadership and the continuous support of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for this accomplishment. She emphasized the commitment to gender balance through legislation and initiatives, highlighting the UAE's role as a global and regional model in this regard. She said, "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."

The strategic partnership between government entities and the private sector played a crucial role in advancing gender balance. Emirati women have gained prominence across various sectors, thanks to the supportive environment and belief in their capabilities.

Sheikha Manal reaffirmed the council's dedication to global partnerships and participation in forums like the Commission on the Status of Women to share best practices and promote inclusive societies. The UAE delegation, led by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, actively engaged in discussions and meetings during the session, underscoring the nation's commitment to gender equality and sustainable development goals.

Sheikha Manal said, "We place high priority on active participation in the meetings of the Committee on the Status of Women of the Economic and Social Council, which is one of the major international forums that the UAE attends annually. These meetings offer extensive opportunities to bolster the Council's partnerships, as they represent the largest annual gathering at the United Nations focused on gender balance, women's advancement, and empowerment. With the participation of representatives of Member States, United Nations entities, non-governmental organizations, experts, and advocates for women's empowerment, it serves as a vital platform for advancing global excellence in gender balance."

Pedro Conceição of the UNDP commended the UAE's progress in gender balance initiatives, citing it as a model for creating supportive work environments. He recognized the UAE as a global leader in gender balance, reflecting its leadership's vision and determination for social and economic prosperity.