Embracing Gender Inclusivity in the UAE

In tribute to International Women’s day, we commemorate the overall progression the UAE has made in gender equality and women’s empowerment during the past 5 decades. The success of its efforts is without a doubt in view of the fact that the founding fathers had a profound belief and understanding of its paramount importance of evolving as a modern and progressive society.

It takes an exceptional leader to recognize the roots of gender equality and the effects it has had on humankind. Most world leaders appear complicit to the repercussions gender equality has had on economic growth and social development. On contrary, The UAE, since its founding as a federation in 1971, has only developed and progressed in its efforts to close the gender gap.

Gender-inclusive initiatives by the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has implemented several gender-inclusive initiatives in recent years to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Some of these initiatives include:

1. The UAE Gender Balance Council: Established in 2015, the council is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to enhance gender balance in all sectors of society.
2. Women’s Empowerment Principles: The UAE has adopted the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a joint initiative of the United Nations Global Compact and UN Women, which provides a framework for businesses to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace.
3. Maternity and Paternity Leave: The UAE has implemented laws that provide female employees with 90 days of maternity leave and male employees with five days of paternity leave. Additionally, female employees who are breastfeeding are entitled to two hours of paid break per day for up to six months after giving birth.
4. Women in Leadership Roles: The UAE has appointed several women to high-ranking positions in government and business, including the appointment of a woman as the Minister of State for Happiness and well-being in 2016.
5. Education: The UAE has made significant investments in education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in these areas.
6. Equal Pay: The UAE has implemented laws that require employers to provide equal pay for men and women who perform the same job.

At Darcey Flower’s we are in constant admiration of the UAE’s achievements and efforts in closing the gender gap and the overall growth the country has witnessed in the past 5 decades. Last Emirati women’s day we paid tribute to 8 powerhouse women and their influence on sustainable development. While there is a great deal of work to be done to fully address gender inequalities in the country, the progress made so far is significant and promising.

In accolade of International Women’s day, let’s recognize the wins we have made throughout the years and convey your support to the strong and resilient women in your life with beautiful flowers for International Women’s day.