The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Economy today hosted a special ceremony to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day 2017, which was held under the theme “Women in Business and Community”.
The event, held at the Chamber’s premises, was attended by H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Economy of the UAE, H.E. Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Member of the Executive Committee of Dubai Chamber and President of Dubai Business Women Council, senior Chamber officials and staff, as well as women leaders representing the UAE’s public and private sectors.
Commenting on the special occasion, H.E. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, said: “The women of the UAE have proven their efficiency in accomplishing various tasks entrusted to them within different workplaces in the public and private sectors. This reflects the wise vision adopted by the UAE to empower women and maximise their role in shaping a bright and prosperous future. We are proud of what they have accomplished which have helped in the advancement of many women in the region and around the world.”
H.E. Al Mansoori explained that Emirati Women’s Day is an occasion for the UAE to commemorate the initiative of the pioneer of women's work in the country, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, who declared August 28th of each year as Emirati Women's Day. He said that the country has been given an annual occasion to review the major achievements of women and current opportunities for further developing their role in society to advance the strategic objectives and directions of the country.
The UAE Economy Minister further stated that the selection of “Women Are Partners in Giving” as the slogan for Emirati Women's Day 2017 reflects the main role of Emirati women in promoting nationwide initiatives introduced in line with the announcement of 2017 as the Year of Giving. He added that it also complements the implementation of a clear strategy and methodology for consolidating charitable and benevolent practices, pointing out that the country relies heavily on the private sector to play its role particularly in fulfilling its social commitments and establishing a culture of social responsibility.
H.E. Al Mansoori pointed out that due to the outstanding position and strong presence of businesswomen in the UAE through their promotion of economic and commercial activity, the country is confident that the next phase will witness a number of targeted and constructive community initiatives implemented by Emirati businesswomen to sustain charitable and benevolent practices in line with the country's vision and initiatives.
For his part, H.E. Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chamber, said: "Emirati Women's Day is a celebration of the status of women and their valuable contribution to the UAE’s society and economy. Emirati women have made great strides in various fields, while they have also contributed greatly to the UAE’s achievements and progress.”
H.E. Al Ghurair added that the Chamber remains committed to creating a favourable environment where businesswomen and women entrepreneurs can succeed and grow.
During his opening remarks, H.E. Al Shehhi highlighted the fact that the UAE is the first country in the Arab world to make the appointment of women in corporate boards mandatory. He noted UAE leadership’s strong focus on women empowerment and gender equality, in addition to the increasing presence of women in the country’s government and legislative councils.
H.E. Al Shehhi explained that the seminar and ceremony provided a unique platform for reviewing the contributions of women in society, and discussing major opportunities for expanding the role of women in the future, adding that the ministry is working on several initiatives for fostering social responsibility in the private sector and motivating it to commit itself to society through development and community initiatives.
In her welcome remarks, H.E. Dr. Al Gurg spoke about the crucial role that Emirati women have played in driving the UAE’s economic and social progress, and noted the strong commitment of the UAE’s wise leadership to supporting women in their quest to take their rightful place in their nation’s economy.
"The achievements of Emirati women are a source of pride for us as they have succeeded in a highly competitive work environment and are now holding prominent positions in government and business. Emirati women account for 34% of Chamber staff, and 18% of the organisation’s board of directors, which reflects the Chamber's strong commitment to empowering women and their ability to serve the business community," H.E. Al Gurg said.
She highlighted the remarkable accomplishments that have been made by Emirati women since the Chamber established the Dubai Business Women Council fifteen years ago, and noted that the Council has grown rapidly to include more than 500 members today.
H.E. Al Gurg announced the launch of a new working group under the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network that will involve Emirati women in the agenda of social and economic development in line with UAE Vision 2021. The group will identify and build partnerships with public and private sector players and help create new opportunities for women.
The event also featured presentations and speeches by Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF, Dana Kamali, Senior Manager - Corporate Sustainability MENA (CSR), HSBC, and Hind Rashid, HSE Director, Federal Electricity & Water Authority (FEWA).
Emirati Women’s Day was initiated in 2015 by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
