In a lecture organized by the National Elections Commission in cooperation with the General Women's Union
Anwar Gargash: Emirati women must go through the electoral experience and actively participate in it, whether by candidacy or election, to consolidate this experience
His Excellency Dr. Anwar Muhammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, Chairman of the National Elections Committee, praised the presence of Emirati women in the Federal National Council, which he considered a qualitative leap in parliamentary work, and a clear message about the importance and effectiveness of her presence in the political arena. This came During a lecture organized by the National Elections Committee in cooperation with the General Women's Union in Abu Dhabi today on the Federal National Council elections 2015,
His Excellency Dr. Anwar Gargash began the lecture by praying to God to have His mercy on the UAE martyrs of the armed forces who were martyred while performing their national duty and sacrificed their blood in defense of the causes of their nation. His Excellency also expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, "Mother of the Emirates", Chairperson of the General Women's Union, for her tireless work and great interest in Emirati women's issues and enabling her to take leading roles in the development of her society in various fields.
His Excellency Dr. Anwar Gargash indicated during the lecture that the entry of women in the fourteenth and fifteenth legislative term was a very positive sign, as the percentage of women in the Federal National Council during the fourteenth legislative term was 22.2%, with 9 female members, and in the fifteenth legislative term. Its rate is (17.5%), with 7 members. Emphasizing that the participation of women in the elections of the National Assembly is of great importance lies in the fact that they are half of society, and they are the most capable of discussing many issues related to the women’s sector and other sectors related to society, and the political participation of women is a necessity and not a luxury, which will lay strong foundations for an open and developed society with It is consistent with the country's culture and history.
His Excellency Dr. Anwar Gargash said that the participation of women in the two previous electoral experiences gave them important experience and political awareness, which enhances their role and effective participation in the 2015 elections, noting that the percentage of women's representation in the electoral bodies for the year 2015 reached nearly half (48%), which indicates The belief of the wise leadership in its role in contributing effectively to strengthening the parliamentary experience in the UAE, which is clear evidence that Emirati women today have become a true partner to obtain seats within the parliament and contribute to the decision-making process.
His Excellency Dr. Anwar Gargash also stressed that the broad participation of women in the Federal National Council elections is a real opportunity for them to emphasize the importance of their active role in community service, as women's political participation is one of the most important indicators of the maturity of the civilized experience of the Emirates, encouraging Emirati women to go through this experience and actively participate In the elections to consolidate this experience, whether by candidacy or election.
For her part, Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director of the General Women's Union, said that the state's confidence that women are able to assume responsibility like men is in itself a source of pride for every Emirati woman, as these distinguished gains and achievements obtained by women were achieved within the framework of a comprehensive empowerment approach launched and adopted by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa. bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, and with the close follow-up of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, who plays a prominent role in guiding women to prove their existence and benefit from the opportunities available to participate in sustainable development alongside her brother the man. Thanks to this, Emirati women today occupy the highest positions in all fields and contribute effectively to leading the development process.
Al-Suwaidi confirmed that the participation of women in the elections of the Federal National Council for this year and for the third consecutive term in itself is considered a great achievement and the fruit of the implantation of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God willing, who believed in women and their abilities, as he declared the moment the union was declared: "Nothing makes me happy." More than seeing Emirati women take their role in society and achieve the place they deserve.... Nothing should stand in the way of her progress. Women have the right, like men, to occupy the highest positions, commensurate with their capabilities and qualifications."
Al Suwaidi also indicated that the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the "Emirates Council for Gender Balance" in order to enhance the role of Emirati women in all areas of life as a key partner in the process of sustainable development and contribute to supporting the status of UAE locally and internationally.
Al Suwaidi said: "The clarity of vision and the support of the wise leadership in the United Arab Emirates and its keenness to preserve the dignity of women and guarantee their rights by empowering them and providing them with all opportunities, so that they can fully play their national, political and social role is a key factor in the successive successes of Emirati women."
His Excellency the Minister, Dr. Anwar Gargash, praised the effective activity of the General Women's Union family, represented by His Excellency Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director of the Union, through educational activities and lectures that target the Emirati women sector and seek to empower them in all fields, stressing that the Women's Union is one of the important national edifices that document The depth of the Emirati experience in promoting and empowering the roles of all segments of society, in order to contribute to supporting the comprehensive development process of the United Arab Emirates.
His Excellency pointed out that the 2015 elections come at a stage in which the UAE is witnessing many achievements at all levels, locally, regionally and globally, to prove its ability to overcome many of the challenges it faced during its journey towards achieving its goals of comprehensive and ambitious development, and to serve as a role model for development and progress today. Prosperity, which is an inevitable and sure result of that unique and distinguished relationship between the leadership of the UAE and its loyal people.
The National Elections Committee seeks to provide all capabilities that enable citizens to actively participate in the electoral process, especially with the approaching date of receiving applications for candidacy to contest the elections, as the committee will receive applications over a period of 5 days from 16-20 August 2015.