Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Women's empowerment does not happen overnight. It is built through sustained efforts, supportive policies, and a national consciousness that recognises women as equal partners in shaping the future.
In the UAE, this progress mirrors a long-held vision that sees opportunity, capability and inclusion as foundations of development, senior officials told Aletihad.
On International Women's Day (IWD), observed on March 8, women leaders in Abu Dhabi government highlight the UAE's achievements in gender balance and the steps being taken to expand opportunities for the next generation to lead, innovate, and contribute.
Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of the Family Care Authority, said the UAE has come a long way in advancing the role of women across all sectors.
"Women today are essential partners in shaping policy, leading businesses, research and innovation, while continuing to strengthen families and contribute to the social resilience that drives our nation's continued development," Al Ameemi told Aletihad.
They occupy half of the seats in the Federal National Council and account for 26% of Cabinet members. They also represent 46% of STEM graduates in the country. And remember the UAE's mission to Mars? Women women make up 80% of its scientific leadership team.
For the Family Care Authority (FCA), empowerment begins at home. It supports women as they navigate the delicate balance of caring for their families while pursuing personal growth, professional ambitions, and active participation in society.
"When women are supported, families thrive and communities become more resilient," Al Ameemi said. "Through our programmes and services, we work to ensure women have access to protection, guidance, and responsive support systems that enable them to navigate challenges and continue contributing within their families and communities."
Ruba Yousef Al Hassan, Director General of Strategic Affairs and Future Foresight at the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE), has seen firsthand that progress doesn't come by chance.
"It comes from people choosing, again and again, to invest in one another," Al Hassan said, explaining how this year's IWD theme 'Give to Gain' captures the spirit of collaboration, mentorship, and support that drives lasting change.
That ripple effect is seen every day at DGE, which Al Hassan describes as "the team behind teams".
"Every minute spent mentoring, sharing knowledge, opening doors, building infrastructure, or creating the right conditions for others to succeed is a gain," she said. "A gain for every public servant, for every entity we support, and ultimately for Abu Dhabi."
As the emirate moves toward becoming the world's first AI-native government, enabling people and institutions has never been more important, she said.
"When we empower the best minds to lead – women and men alike – we multiply what is possible," Al Hassan said.
Across the public sector, women are already at the forefront, designing AI systems, shaping policies, and delivering services that will define the emirate for generations.
And it doesn't stop there, she stressed: "The more we give, the more talent we uncover – and that is the momentum that will carry Abu Dhabi forward. That is the power of enablement."
