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4/28/25, 1:35 PM UAE firm on shaping ‘secure digital future’ for women

She emphasised that gender balance is central to the UAE’s national agenda and that economic
empowerment for women is a 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, 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.”

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.

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 UAE 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.

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