Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
On the occasion of International Women's Day, marked annually on March 8, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) reaffirmed their commitment to building an environment where women can thrive, lead and contribute meaningfully to their communities and nations.
In a statement to Aletihad, ADFD said their commitment is in alignment with the UAE's vision of prioritising women's empowerment nationally and globally, as demonstrated by its collaboration with UN Women, supporting the vision for a prosperous future in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
ADFD cited the World Economic Forum's observation that at the current pace full gender parity will not be achieved until 2158, a timeline that demands immediate and decisive action.
"At Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, we realise this urgency and recognise that empowering women is essential to building a sustainable and thriving economy," the ADFD statement said.
"We believe true empowerment goes beyond participation; it requires an environment where women can lead, innovate and drive change. This principle shapes our strategy, which focuses on access to finance, skill development and inclusive opportunities," read the statement.
In this regard, ADFD said it strongly supports micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for their role in economic growth and job creation, with a focus on empowering women and bridging the workforce gender gap.
According to ADFD, these programmes have delivered real, measurable impact. By the end of 2024, ADFD's support for MSMEs in developing countries had directly facilitated the establishment and growth of 193,629 women-owned businesses across Africa, Asia and Europe – powerful testaments to the resilience and entrepreneurial drive of women.
"Beyond MSMEs, our commitment is also reflected in major infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of Bahrain International Airport, which prioritised inclusivity through gender-neutral facilities and enhanced accessibility. The project actively promoted women's participation in the workforce, with 19% of employees being female, while also providing a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase and grow their businesses," ADFD said.
The UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE-CREF) – a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ADFD and Masdar – has produced similar results. With an allocation of $50 million in grants by ADFD, this initiative addresses the critical need for renewable energy in 16 Caribbean Island nations while championing women's leadership in the sector, serving as an exemplary model of gender inclusion.
In Suriname, the Solar-PV project featured female engineers overseeing its key aspects. In Grenada, Guyana, the Bahamas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados, similar patterns emerged – women in leadership roles, female engineers conducting inspections, and a commitment to ensuring at least 30% female employment by EPC contractors, slightly exceeding the global average of 29.2% of all STEM workers.
"In addition to our efforts such as the UAE-CREF, ADFD has been instrumental in establishing schools and educational institutions in partner nations, creating opportunities for women and girls to receive quality education and equip themselves with the skills and knowledge to take on leadership roles, driving change in both their personal and professional lives."
The current International Women's Day theme, "Accelerate Action", is a call to step forward towards gender equality, which requires collective action, solid and sustained commitment, and an acknowledgment that true empowerment can only be achieved when women are fully integrated into every aspect of society, the statement said.
"At ADFD, we understand that gender equality is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for economic growth and sustainable development. As we move forward, we remain resolute in our mission to create opportunities for women to thrive as leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.
"The future of our global community depends on the investment we make today in empowering women to shape the world of tomorrow. Together, through deliberate action and collaboration, we can accelerate progress and ensure that gender equality is no longer a distant goal but a reality for all."
