Speech by His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais Minister of Health and Prevention on International Women 's Day 2019

March 09, 2019 - Dubai, UAE

The World today marks the International Women's Day in recognition of women’s accomplishments and achievements made by countries and governments to improve their status in the social, educational, rights and legislative sectors. It is also in acknowledgment of their contribution to all spheres of life, which led to impressive developments in the lives of societies and peoples.

We are very proud that the UAE has been at the forefront of countries empowering women through providing equal opportunities in educational, health care, employment and career advancement sectors as well as granting them remarkable representation in the political and administrative decision-making. 

This has come to fruition thanks to vision of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak “Mother of the Nation”, President of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, who is regarded the pioneer of women’s work in the UAE and the supporter of women’s rights and advancement.  

In this respect, H.H. Sheikha Fatima launched various initiatives that helped empower Emirati women, enhance their national role in the country and boost their presence in political, economic and cultural life.

Backed by our wise leadership’s policies, which contributed to further improve women’s status, the UAE has gone to great lengths to empower women, who turned into a major engine in society, keeping pace with the UAE development progress. 

Unlike many regional countries, the Emirati women have occupied top positions and become minister, board member and speaker of the Federal National Council for the first time in the region.

We, at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, are proud of the contribution of our women cadres and we highly appreciate their great efforts. We also renew the confidence in their capacities to enhance the work environment efficiently, entrench a culture of innovation and foreseeing the future and provide the best healthcare services. 

It is no surprise to see many Emirati female doctors specializing in rare specialties, making great achievements and winning prestigious awards in the medical innovation fields; neither surprising to see Emirati nurses with distinguished efficiency and Emirati women occupying top positions and working in the decision-making fields.  
 
The Emirati women today have become partners in the development progress, success and achievement of the UAE Vision 2021, aiming to make the UAE a role model for progress, leadership and empowerment of women across global competitiveness fields.