Gender equality means that "both men and women have important roles to play in all areas of life", Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 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), has said.
"Gender balance has been achieved in all areas based on the wise leadership's belief that the daughter of the UAE is a partner to its sons, in the process of developing the nation," she added.
Sheikha Fatima made the remarks in a statement issued ahead the Gender Dimensions of International Peace and Security: Keys to Prosperity and Peace conference, which begins in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Sheikha Fatima said that the conference would "review ways to unleash the potential of women as an important partner in the building of societies and their contribution to reducing conflicts and crises in war zones".
Other goals of the summit, organised by the GWU in co-operation with Women in International Security, the UN Women’s Office and TRENDS Research and Advisory, include raising awareness of the link between gender and peace and security in both policy and practice.
It also aims to provide a better understanding of the gender dimensions of peace and security, showcasing the UAE’s good practice to the Women Peace and Security, WPS, agenda, and serving as a platform to launch a series of future activities aimed at advancing the women, peace and security agenda, she said.
The conference will also highlight the UAE's experience in the leadership and empowerment of women, highlighting the success stories of Emirati women and the country's role in promoting women in public life.
Dr Ahmed Al Hamli, president of TRENDS Research & Advisory, said the summit would see the launch a series of initiatives and activities, and the participation of a group of Emirati, Arab and foreign politicians and academics.
Speakers at the conference include Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Tolerance, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the President of UN Women, and Mara Marinaki, Ambassador and Principal Advisor on Gender at the European Union External Action.
