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4/28/25, 1:35 PM UAE committed to shaping just, secure digital future for women: Manal bint Mohammed – UAE Business and Travel Insights – Total…
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.

She highlighted initiatives like the SWAN programme launched by Khalifa Fund, which trains Emirati women
Entrepreneurs, and the SDG 5 Pledge, which promote leadership opportunities and business growth for women
across sectors. She called on BRICS nations to expand mentorship networks and create cross-border platforms
for women entrepreneurs.

Speaking on “Digital Governance and Misogyny,” Mona Al Marri stressed the need for inclusive and ethical
digital spaces. Women thrive in STEM fields in the UAE, making up 56% of STEM graduates and 80% of the
Mars Mission science team.

She noted strong UAE legislation against online abuse while highlighting the UAE’s pioneering efforts in
protecting women online, stating, “We’ve enacted strong laws to combat cyber harassment, hate speech, and
misinformation. But we must go further and work together internationally to create safer, more inclusive digital
spaces.” The UAE works closely with tech platforms to raise global standards and empower women in the digital
economy.

Mona Al Marri emphasised women’s growing role in UAE climate leadership in the climate session. At COP28,
women held two-thirds of the UAE delegation’s leadership roles. Women now make up 30% of the energy
workforce.

She spotlighted the UAE’s international initiatives, like the Climate Change and Gender Equality Initiative with
UN Women. She encouraged BRICS countries to share strategies, invest in green skills, and support women-led
climate innovation.

For her part, Aparecida Gonçalves, highlighted the UAE’s exemplary achievements in promoting gender balance
and recognised its advanced standing on the global stage in this field. She described the UAE as a pioneering
model whose experience offers valuable lessons for the international community. She expressed her strong desire
to deepen collaboration with the UAE Gender Balance Council to help advance shared global goals for equality
and empowerment.

On the sidelines of the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Women’s Affairs, Mona Al Marri met with Aparecida
Gonçalves, Brazil’s Minister of Women. The meeting focused on exploring avenues for cooperation and

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