This great concern for women was not out of chance or a luxury, but rather a result of the wise leadership’s belief that women should be honored and given the opportunity they deserve, due to the importance of their role in promoting the Union's gains and achievements

Attention given to Emirati women has been translated to practical actions on the ground, by launching initiatives that serve their interests, as well as developing policies, legislation and decisions supporting them in work sectors and various aspects of life. This move culminated in the establishment of the UAE Gender Balance Council, which played a significant role over the past few years

A few days ago, the Council announced the winners of Gender Balance Index at the Federal Government level, in its third session, as well as the Best  Personality Supporting Gender Balance, which was awarded to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for His Highness's continuous efforts in supporting women and ensuring a positive work environment that enables them to succeed and excel as a partner in shaping our country’s future

The award for Best Federal Entity Supporting Balance went to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Federal Council for Demographics, while  the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Community Development won the award for Best Initiative Supporting Gender Balance. Standard Chartered Bank won the award for the Best Gender Balance Supporter in the Financial and Banking Sector, which was introduced this year as a new category

There is no doubt that these indicators reflect the state’s efforts over the past years, to bridge the gap and achieve the required balance of the genders, in order to strengthen women’s position locally, regionally and globally, a goal that the Council has been seeking to achieve for years, in government and private sectors

These gender balance achievements are a result of the Council’s efforts headed by the wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council. Credit also goes to entities and individuals winning the award in all categories of the index, including the Federal Government; which has been greatly contributing in enhancing the status of women and enable them to play an active role in advancing the country and its global leadership

Dr. Abdulrahman Abdul Manan Al Awar

Director General of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources

Member of the UAE Gender Balance  Council