UAE brings major reform in empowering women; approves legislation to ensure equal pay for men, women

Abu Dhabi, April 12: Months after Saudi Arabia began to bring social reforms in the country by bringing liberalization in the lifestyle of women, its neighbour country the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also commenced walking on the same path. Notably, the United Arab Emirates have approved the issuance of legislation to ensure equal pay for men and women working in the country.

 

The Equal Wages and Salaries for Men and Women legislation was approved by the UAE cabinet to ensure that women have equal opportunities as partners in the country’s development. However, this move will further empower women to lead future national strategies and ambitious projects.

Announcing the law on Twitter, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai on Tuesday, said the country's constitution guarantees impartiality between men and women as a fundamental right.

"Our Constitution calls for equal rights and duties of the genders, and we seek to elaborate, enforce and guarantee this constitutional right through the new law," he tweeted. "We do not want any exception when it comes to providing equal opportunities for both genders."

The step has also showcased that the Government has been consolidating efforts to narrow the gender gap. The Cabinet’s approval to the new law affirms government’s objective to ensure the protection of women's rights.

Importantly, the law is also part of the Strategy for the Empowerment of Emirati Women launched by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, chairwoman of the General Women's Union, president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and supreme chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

Following are the steps were taken by UAE to empower women:

• 66% of public sector employees are women, with 30% in leadership roles.
• 70% of school and university students are women.
• 65% of total higher education graduates are women.
• 8 women in the UAE Cabinet.
• 8 women in the Federal National Council
• 2nd in Arab world in World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2017.
• The Federal National Council's speaker is a woman.
• Second country in the world after Norway to impose women's representation in boards of directors of companies.
• Gender Balance Guide for the workplace in the UAE is the world's first of its kind for workplaces.
• The country aims to be among the top 25 nations worldwide excelling in the field of women's empowerment.