UAE students inspired and encouraged by youth council formation

The announcement that a youth council is to be formed in the UAE and will led by a female has been welcomed by young adults at home and abroad.

DUBAI // The announcement that a youth council is to be formed and will led by a female has been welcomed by young adults at home and abroad.

At 25, Rawdha Al Marrar, is too old to be nominated, but said the move was a positive one for the empowerment of women.

“I think it was done to show the great achievements the women of the UAE have reached,” said Ms Al Marrar, an Emirati who is studying at Khalifa University.

“It’s an empowerment of women and proof they can achieve anything they set their minds to. The UAE has invested a lot in recent years to the education of women, so this will show their capacity.”

She said it has caused excitement among her friends and fellow students. “It’s really inspiring. It gives the push to all students to do better and prove themselves.”

Katie Burke is the vice chairwoman of the Scottish Youth Parliament, which was established in 1999 and is made up of 14 to 25 year olds. Ms Burke said the move, announced on Monday, stating a woman of 22 or under will lead the council, is vital for young people.

She said: “As someone who believes firmly in the power of youth work and the value of listening to the voices of young people, I couldn’t be more excited to hear that UAE is establishing a youth parliament.

“SYP has contributed to my own development as a person and as a young woman, and I am proud of the work I have been able to accomplish.”

Last year, she became the first woman to ever lead the SYP.

She believed it was important for young people to contribute their voice on issues affecting them and “just as important for them to be listened to by decision makers”.

“Young people are the future and youth parliaments are a wonderful way for young people to come together to have a strong collective say in their future,” she said.

Rebecca Connolly, a member of the UK Youth Parliament, said diversity was vital in such a council, not least when it comes to gender.

She said: “The UK Youth Parliament has become an important opportunity for young people aged 11 to 18 to use their elected voice to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning on a whole range of issues.”

The youth parliament has 51 per cent females compared to just 23 per cent in the UK parliament.