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Women’s role in diplomacy, peacemaking come to fore at Abu Dhabi discussion series

Women's role in diplomacy, peacemaking come to fore at Abu Dhabi discussion series
25 June 2024 21:30

SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

A series of public events organised by Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), in coordination with the Permanent Committee for Human Rights, on global efforts to empower women in diplomacy and human rights came to a conclusion on Monday with a fireside chat bringing together a panel of leading personalities and practitioners from international organisations, government, academia and civil society.

The event, titled Women’s Participation in Public Policy, was held on the occasion of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, annually marked on June 24.

In her opening remarks, Hind Alowais, Director of the Permanent Committee for Human Rights, UAE, stressed that women's rights have always been integral to the UAE and align with international standards.

"When we think about human rights and specifically women's rights, I always emphasise that these principles are not foreign to the UAE. They have underpinned the formation of this nation as defined by our founding. When we consider the journey of gender equality and women's empowerment, our primary goal has been to adhere to international standards and obligations such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)," she said.

Alowais pointed out the necessity for legislative frameworks and positive social norms to guarantee women's comprehensive involvement in all sectors. 

"But we also recognise that legislative frameworks have to go hand in hand with positive social norms to ensure the full and equal participation of women in all sectors, as enshrined in the CEDAW. This was reflected in the vision of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who used to say, 'nothing could delight me more than to see a woman taking up her distinctive position in society. Nothing should hinder her progress’,” she added.

“And thus a journey began heralded by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF). Her Highness Sheikha Fatima started with gathering women at her majlis. These gatherings later became a network of organisations spanning all seven emirates of the UAE in 1975 and is now the General Women’s Union. It is due to her efforts that gender equality and women’s empowerment became a reality in the UAE,” Alowais said.

She further highlighted that the UAE upholds principles of women's inclusion in decision-making, recognising it as a moral imperative essential for a sustainable, prosperous, and just future.

The fireside chat is moderated by Dr. Sara Chehab, Senior Researcher at AGDA, who leads the "Women in Diplomacy" Research Programme.

H.E. Antoine Delcourt, Ambassador of Belgium to the UAE, spotlighted the importance of enhancing women's roles, contributions, and visibility in peace processes, defence issues, and security affairs for long-term peace and stability, and their personal commitment to engaging in these conversations.

"Decades of studies show that women leaders help increase productivity and collaboration, and also improve fairness. UN data proves that in the security sector, the participation of women in peace processes results in a more lasting and stable peace. Experience shows that it increases the probability of a peace agreement when they are involved in the process by 20 to 35%," the Belgian ambassador said.

He additionally pointed out that women's representation in international peace and security affairs remains low, at merely 6% between 2012 and 2020, and dropping to 16% in 2022, implying the need for further efforts.

Afra Al Hameli, Director of Strategic Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), spoke about the factors facilitating women's entry into the UAE Foreign Service, incorporating policies implemented at MOFA. 

Al Hameli said that the UAE's commitment to women's empowerment and gender equality is rooted in its history, originated with the visionary leadership of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and continues under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

She also drew attention to equal opportunities offered by MOFA and other UAE entities, particularly focusing on women's access to appointments, recruitment, promotions, and senior leadership positions since 2013.

"Looking back at MOFA now, I would say that MOFA, along with other UAE entities, ensures equal opportunities for both men and women in their appointments, recruitment, and promotions. It is particularly crucial to highlight women's advancement to senior leadership roles, which has sometimes posed challenges to their progress. I started my career at MOFA in 2013, and over the past 11 years, I have held various positions. Currently, I serve as the director of a significant department within the ministry, responsible for articulating the UAE's vision and its current global position," Al Hameli said.

Besides that, "the UAE prioritises women's equality and gender equity on the global stage. Specifically, at MOFA, we actively participate in, encourage, and lead initiatives aimed at advancing women's and gender issues regionally and globally."

Roudha AlShehhi, Head of the European Affairs Section at the International Relations Department of the Federal National Council (FNC), highlighted the importance of gender balance within the UAE's legislative body.

She stressed its impact on women's representation and addressed criticisms from gender sceptics, noting that the FNC advocates for a 50% women representation system. 

This initiative aims to enrich women's experiences, build their capacities, and ensure their effective participation in the council.

"A quota might seem like a replacement for other measures, but it contributes to the maturation of their experiences. We need women to learn, develop their capabilities, and participate effectively in the FNC," AlShehhi affirmed.

Currently, 20 out of 40 FNC members are women, and they are actively participating in committees that were once exclusively male-dominated, such as foreign affairs, defence, security, and finance, she said, noting that “this reflects significant internal progress within the FNC."

The FNC supports equal representation in public policy, improving UAE's policies and legislations through a general secretariat and balance team, as per AlShehhi.

"So we have a very balanced team, and it is part of the FNC's DNA, you could say. I believe this demonstrates the significance of having an equal and balanced FNC in advancing public policy and enhancing legislation within the UAE," she added.

Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, AlShehhi said that the UAE's accomplishments at the FNC level stem from its vision, commitment to women's empowerment, and active engagement. 

Also speaking to Aletihad, Dr. Chehab said: "It is very important to have women in diplomacy, serving as ambassadors, negotiators, and mediators, because we don't have enough. Today, only 21% of ambassadors worldwide are women, and even fewer are negotiators or mediators. So, this represents a missed opportunity, considering that women often bear the brunt of conflict and make significant contributions to society."

Dr. Chehab reiterated that the UAE's significant increase in women's diplomacy demonstrates its commitment to empowering women in diplomacy for long-term peace.

“In Abu Dhabi, 46% of the staff at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs are women, which is particularly noteworthy. Additionally, at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, 60% of our cohorts consistently comprise women, reflecting our ongoing commitment to gender balance across all stages of diplomatic careers," Dr. Chehab stated.

The fireside discussion series is scheduled to resume in September.

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