Sheikha Fatima, who is known as the ‘Mother of the Nation’, is the wife of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first President of the UAE.

She introduced Emirati Women’s Day in 2015 to celebrate and honour the contributions and achievements of Emirati women to the nation’s development and progress.

What is Emirati Women’s Day?

Emirati Women’s Day is celebrated to recognise the role of Emirati women in various sectors, including business, government, education, healthcare, and culture. It also highlights the advancements made in women’s rights and opportunities within the country.

The choice of August 28 for Emirati Women’s Day also holds great significance because it marks the anniversary of the establishment of the UAE’s General Women’s Union (GWU) in 1975.

This year, Sheikha Fatima announced that the theme is ‘We Collaborate for Tomorrow’, aligning with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’.

It underscores the UAE’s steadfast commitment to seeking innovative solutions to address challenges in the realms of energy, sustainability, and climate change.

“Every year, we proudly announce an inspiring theme for Emirati Women’s Day, and this national occasion is a priority for us. This day highlights a set of objectives which aligns with the country’s global leadership in recognising and empowering women,” Sheikha Fatima said adding that the UAE has made gender balance an integral part of the nation’s social culture.

“This highlights the significance of collaboration between federal and local authorities, civil society, and the private sector to enhance the achievements in this area,” she said.

The UAE places great importance on gender equality and women’s empowerment, and so, to celebrate the women of the nation, the day involves various events, seminars, and activities that focus on women’s achievements and contributions.

According to a 2022 report by the World Economic Forum, the UAE topped global gender equality rankings.

This remarkable achievement follows UAE’s exceptional performance in key gender-related indicators, such as:

1. Enrollment in Primary Education
2. Enrollment in Secondary Education
3. Enrollment in Tertiary Education
4. Sex Ratio at Birth
5. Women in Parliament

The nation also rose from the 72^nd position to the 68^th, affirming its commitment to continually narrowing the gender gap on the international stage.

Moreover, the report revealed that 50 percent of positions are held by women in the Federal National Council.

In addition, the country stands out by demonstrating a robust presence of women in ministerial roles, with 27.5 percent representation in the Cabinet.

The selection of this year’s theme by Sheikha Fatima also underscores the collaborative model envisioned by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to ensure the active involvement of all segments of the UAE’s community in its journey of development.

“With COP28 set to take place in November 2023, the UAE is gearing up to tackle the pressing issues related to climate change. Notably, prominent female figures will be leading the charge during COP28, comprising two-thirds of the leadership team and over 50 percent of the administrative team, setting an example through our sustainable approach to recognising the competence, excellence and creativity of Emirati women,” Sheikh Fatima added.

The National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women in UAE for 2023-2031

On Sunday, Sheikha Fatima announced a new initiative – the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women.

Launched on the account of Emirati Women’s Day 2023, under the theme of “We Collaborate for Tomorrow,” this strategy aligns with Sheikha Fatima’s vision for inclusive participation of women in all sectors.

“The UAE has witnessed major transformations across various domains, especially in women’s affairs and their social participation. Women’s empowerment received exceptional attention, enabling the UAE to rank first among Arab countries and 68^thglobally in global competitiveness indicators in 2022,” Sheikha Fatima said.

The National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women will focus on three key pillars. These include:

• Strengthening families to enhance women’s roles
• Integrating women into the labour market and emerging sectors
• Developing women’s skills and capabilities for the future

Key components of the strategy also involve enhancing the legislative and regulatory environment to support women’s quality of life and fostering partnerships at both national and international levels.

The General Women’s Union, in partnership with relevant government bodies, is responsible for implementing the strategy, while various ministries, agencies, and civil society organisations will play supporting roles.

These entities will periodically assess progress and propose adjustments to ensure the strategy’s goals are met.