The UAE's leaders have paid tribute to women's "remarkable abilities and achievements" in a challenging year, as the world celebrates International Women's Day.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid tribute to Emirati women in particular on their "scientific, economic and social achievements".
He congratulated Sheikha Fatima, widow of UAE Founding Father Sheikh Zayed and known as the Mother of the Nation.
Sheikha Fatima is considered a maternal figure by Emiratis and led women's rights in the country's early years.
"We congratulate the people of the Emirates, who have involved women from the beginning in the country's development and brought our path to the world," Sheikh Mohammed said.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said the Covid-19 pandemic had highlighted the strength of women in the face of adversity.
"On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable abilities and achievements of women around the world," he wrote on Twitter.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable abilities & achievements of women around the world. This past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has further demonstrated how women’s strength, courage and leadership are integral to safeguarding the present and future of the UAE
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) March 7, 2021
"This past year, the Covid-19 pandemic has further demonstrated how women’s strength, courage and leadership are integral to safeguarding the present and future of the UAE."
On Sunday, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre issued a report about women in the UAE, which showed their active participation in business, science, education and health.
Women make up 50 per cent of the country's Federal National Council, an advisory body to the government.
Nine of the 33 ministers in the UAE Cabinet are women.
They account for 64 per cent of the total employees in the education sector, and 31 per cent of employees in finance, banking and insurance.
At least 64 per cent of doctors, nurses and technical staff in the health sector are women, the centre said.
Marked each year on March 8, International Women's Day is a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
It is also a day to renew a call to action to accelerate gender parity.
