UAE Gender Balance Council Leads GCC Push to Advance Women's Economic Empowerment
A high-level regional dialogue led by the UAE Gender Balance Council and the World Bank concluded in Dubai this week, with GCC countries reaffirming their shared commitment to accelerating women's economic empowerment through policy reform, legal innovation, and institutional collaboration.
The two-day GCC Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Women's Economic Empowerment gathered top policymakers and gender equality advocates from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Held under the UAE Gender Balance Centre for Excellence & Knowledge Exchange, the workshop provided a platform to share reform experiences and strengthen cross-border cooperation on inclusive economic development.
H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, described women's empowerment as 'a force for transformation,' and emphasised the UAE's vision for regional collaboration to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth.
Supported by the World Bank, the forum highlighted initiatives such as investments in childcare and maternity support, recent legal reforms, and country-specific strategies to boost female workforce participation. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain showcased progress in gender-responsive policymaking, skills development, and labour market inclusion.
Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, called the event 'a powerful example of shared leadership,' underscoring the importance of uniting efforts to close economic gender gaps across the region.
The workshop concluded with a joint brief outlining key insights and future cooperation plans. Organisers say the momentum will continue through a growing regional network aimed at building inclusive economies driven by equal opportunity.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
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