Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Every August 28, the UAE celebrates Emirati Women’s Day to honour Emirati women's remarkable achievements and contributions across various fields. Women in the UAE have been making waves for their significant contributions to government, business, and STEM, proving the country's dedication to providing equal opportunities regardless of gender. Their contributions are also a big win for gender equality and women empowerment, which unfortunately still faces challenges in many other countries. To celebrate this day, here is a list of Emirati women's remarkable achievements to prove why the 'future is female': Education and Literacy The literacy rate of women in the country is incredibly high compared to neighbouring countries with a rate of 95.8 percent. Women also make up 70% of university graduates in UAE. Leadership Recent developments showcase the growing role of Emirati women in leadership. Women now hold 50% of seats in the Federal National Council (FNC), with leaders like Sarah Al Amiri, the Minister of State for Advanced Technology, setting a strong example in government roles. Business Women in the UAE also take on various roles and actively contribute to the private sector. Women business owners represent 10% of the country's total private sector. The country also holds the highest number of women on Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen in 2023 and the second highest in 2024 with 14 Emirati women on the list. Government Women make up two-thirds of public sector jobs in the UAE, with 30% in leadership roles and 15% in technical or academic roles. The UAE is the only MENA country with equal gender representation in parliament and is ranked 40th worldwide for women’s political empowerment, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report. Women in STEM Women are also leading the country's efforts in science and technology, from space exploration, medicine to climate and food security. Women make up 56% of STEM graduates in UAE government universities. These achievements reflect the UAE's commitment to supporting women in all sectors. The country's efforts to empower women have created opportunities for them to succeed and lead. It shows that women here are not just part of the future but are also helping shape it. FLE/Expat Media
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