Page 57 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT APRIL 2025

strategic priority that drives innovation and resilience. The UAE continues leading the region with
progressive laws supporting equal pay, parental leave, and women's full economic participation.

She highlighted the UAE’s commitment to including women in climate action and green innovation,
noting their leadership roles in sustainability, solar energy, and agriculture.

Furthermore, H.H. Sheikha Manal praised the timely and vital themes addressed at the BRICS
Ministerial Meeting on Women’s Affairs, noting that they reflect a shared determination among
member states to place gender equality at the core of sustainable development and global
progress. She noted the importance of international collaboration, adding, “BRICS offers a valuable
platform to share knowledge and create opportunities for women to lead climate action efforts
worldwide.”

H.H. Sheikha Manal expressed deep pride in the UAE’s remarkable milestones in advancing
women’s economic empowerment—milestones made possible through the unwavering support of
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the encouragement of His
Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of
Dubai. She reaffirmed that the UAE regards women’s empowerment as a fundamental right and a
national priority that drives progress across all sectors.

H.H. Sheikha Manal also reiterated the UAE’s strong commitment to shaping a digital future that is
empowering, equitable, and protected from gender-based violence. This commitment is reinforced
through robust legal and legislative frameworks. In November, the UAE Gender Balance Council
advanced these efforts by launching the “Guidelines for Preventive Policies Against Gender-Based
Violence Through Digital Applications”, a pioneering step towards safer digital environments for
women.

The United Arab Emirates participated actively in the BRICS Women’s Affairs Ministerial Meeting,
with the participation of Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance
Council.
The meeting commenced with an inspiring address by Brazil's First Lady, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva,
and the presence of distinguished leaders: Esther Duque, Minister of Administration and Innovation
in Public Services; Anielle Franco, Minister of Racial Equality; and Aparecida Gonçalves, Minister of
Women of Brazil.
Together, they championed a powerful agenda of progress through three pivotal discussions:
advancing international coordination, empowering women through economic independence and
entrepreneurship, harnessing digital governance to combat online violence, and amplifying
women's voices in climate action and sustainable development.

In the "Women, Development, and Entrepreneurship" session, Mona Al Marri underscored the
UAE’s long-standing support for women in business. “Emirati women have made a lasting impact
on our national economy,” said Al Marri. “Today, they represent 18% of all entrepreneurs, and over
77% are under 40. These achievements result from decades of progressive policies and leadership
support.” She highlighted that Emirati women have significantly impacted the business landscape,
with the number of female entrepreneurs rising to 25,000 by 2021, a testament to their growing
influence and determination in shaping the future of the UAE.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bjcu34c-uae-committed-shaping-just-secure-digital-future