The UAE has climbed to seventh place globally in the Gender Inequality Index 2024, significantly improving from its 11th position in 2022. Within the region, the Gulf state has secured the top spot in the index.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released the Gender Inequality Index results during the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, ongoing until March 22 in New York. The UAE Gender Balance Council is actively participating in this event.

HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, attributed this achievement to the country’s leadership, which has bolstered women’s representation across economic, political, and social domains through legislative measures and strategic initiatives.

“Improving the UAE’s ranking in global reports and indicators strengthens its position as a global and regional model for gender balance,” she said. 

She also lauded the efforts of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in advancing women’s empowerment through various national programs and targeted initiatives aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Moreover, she reaffirmed the UAE Gender Balance Council’s commitment to expanding its global partnerships to further gender balance achievements regionally and globally.

“We place high priority on active participation in the meetings of the Committee on the Status of Women of the Economic and Social Council, which is one of the major international forums that the UAE attends annually. These meetings offer extensive opportunities to bolster the Council’s partnerships, as they represent the largest annual gathering at the United Nations focused on gender balance, women’s advancement, and empowerment,” she said. 

She added, “With the participation of representatives of Member States, United Nations entities, non-governmental organizations, experts, and advocates for women’s empowerment, it serves as a vital platform for advancing global excellence in gender balance.”

Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office at the United Nations Development Programme, praised the UAE as a model for gender balance and equity.

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