Page 30 - MFNCA PR REPORT - July 2024

7/17/24, 2:17 PM Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs organises panel discussion on Emirati women’s political participation culture

The panel discussion will feature members of the Federal National Council, including Her Excellency
Hashima Yasser Al-Afari and Her Excellency Aisha Khamis Al Dhanhani, who will share their unique
experiences from the fifth session of the 2023 Federal National Council elections and highlight the

accomplishments of Emirati women in parliamentary life in the country. Joining the panel will be Prof.
Ahlam Al-Lamki, Head of the Research and Development Department at the General Women’s Union,
who will discuss the importance of women’s political engagement and the pivotal role of the General
Women’s Union in fostering a culture of active participation among Emirati women in shaping the future
of parliamentary life in the country.

H.E. Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of Ministry of State for Federal National Council, said:
“Organising this panel discussion exemplifies our strategic partnership and constructive collaboration

with the General Women’s Union, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to empowering Emirati women
and enhancing their involvement across various sectors, especially in parliamentary arenas. This
initiative aligns with the directives and guidance of our wise leadership to ensure that Emirati women
have all the necessary resources to play a crucial role in achieving the strategic objectives of the nation’s
ambitious visions. It promotes the country’s position as a key partner in shaping parliamentary life, as

reflected in women’s active participation in the fifth session of the 2023 Federal National Council
elections, both as voters and candidates.”

H.E. Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women's Union, asserted that the status of
Emirati women, and the success achieved through their active participation as a candidate and voter in

the 2023 elections of the Federal National Council, reflects the leadership and progress achieved by the
UAE in women's empowerment. H.E. highlighted that this achievement is a result of the UAE’s vision for
women’s political empowerment, supported by wise leadership, which fosters women's essential
contributions and harnesses their sincere national capacities to build an accelerated future of

leadership. Al Suwaidi also appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council
Affairs to promote the empowerment and qualification of Emirati women for political participation, in the
light of its strong cooperation and strategic partnership with the General Women's Union in organising
meetings, conferences and symposiums specialised in this area.

Her Excellency noted that political empowerment is a priority for the General Women's Union, thanks to

the insight developed by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Emirates, President

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