UAE makes great strides towards gender equality

Providing sufficient job opportunities, having a role model as well as proper parental upbringing top Emirati women's aspirations for the forthcoming Federal National Council (FNC) elections.

Speaking on the sidelines of a lecture by Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and FNC Affairs and chairman of the National Election Committee (NEC), Emirati women also expressed their optimism surrounding women's role in this year's elections.

Ahlam Saeed, research and development manager at the General Women's Union, told Gulf News: "We organised a three-day workshop geared towards leading an impactful political campaign and also have a few events in the pipeline on teaching our female candidates certain qualities that are crucial to being a good leader,” she added.

"I feel very optimistic about the increased female participation this year and I only wish that it grows from strength to strength.”

Hind Al Shamsi, an administration executive at the Marriage Fund, also expressed her enthusiasm about women's contributions this year, she said that her selected candidate will solely be based on the person's expertise, regardless of gender.

"The one aspect that I aim to receive in return from the FNC election is generating more job opportunities for locals,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Mona Maslam, a statistic assistant, said: "I want someone who will be a good leader and a role model, a person who will be able to meet people's demands and manage their expectations.”

As far as women's participation this year is concerned, Mona said: "I am positive about that. I don't think it's ever based on someone's gender though. I believe that everyone is capable of producing great results as long as the will is there.”

Marwa Rashid Al Qubaisi, a quality and excellence specialist, said that she is considering nominating herself this year since humanitarianism is a field she is passionate about and has a wealth of ideas to offer.

"I would mainly like to focus on problems facing children and the elderly. I feel that youngsters are not receiving the proper upbringing they deserve and are being raised by nannies or maids, who could adversely impact their lifestyles,” she said.

Even if not elected or appointed, Marwa still plans to communicate her ideas to the FNC for the benefit of the UAE community.
Source: Gulf News