Page 36 - MFNCA PR REPORT - July 2024

7/17/24, 2:22 PM Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs organises panel discussion on Emirati women’s political participation culture - …

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 of the
General Women’s Union, the Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, the President of the

Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, “Mother of the Nation”, and her tireless efforts to advance
women’s political participation. “Her Highness’s initiatives, including the program to strengthen the role of
Arab women parliamentarians in collaboration with UN-Women in 2004, have been instrumental in building

women’s capacities and preparing society for the new role of women, culminating in the success of Emirati

women in the first elections in the country in 2006. Since then, women have continued to support the Federal
National Council as a guiding and supporting authority of the executive branch,” Al Suwaidi added.

The ‘Political Empowerment Dialogue’ panel is an integral part of the ministry’s strategy to raise awareness
about parliamentary life and political engagement among citizens, with a particular focus on women. It also

seeks to acquaint participants with the realities of parliamentary proceedings in the country, enhance political
consciousness, and build upon more than five decades of national parliamentary achievements. This
initiative is designed to align with the aspirations of the people of the UAE, supporting national visions and

strategies to reinforce the UAE’s leadership across diverse domains.

https://menews247.com/ministry-of-state-for-federal-national-council-affairs-organises-panel-discussion-on-emirati-womens-political-participation-culture/ 2/3