DUBAI // Female candidates who have served the community for years and consistently reach out to voters during their campaigns will have the edge over their electoral rivals when it comes to securing a seat on the Federal National Council, former members said.
Only one woman has won a seat in the council in each of the past two elections. Out of 329 candidates this year, 76 are women. In 2011, 85 women, out of a total of 450 hopefuls, registered their intent.
Experience in government departments and helping people via non-government organisations forges a link with the public, said Rashad Bukhash, FNC member and director of Dubai Municipality’s architectural heritage department.
In 2011, daily phone calls to voters from 8am-11pm, over 19 campaign days, helped him to reach about 200 people a day.
“The issues are mostly the same,” Mr Bukhash said. “Health, education and housing, so contact with people is most important.”
“Women represent half the society so they should be elected, but it may be more of a challenge to reach people. How much service you have given, your position in society, if you fought for someone and helped them – male candidates will talk about this.”
Voters will lean towards similar women who have made a difference.
Dr Salwa Al Suwaidi, the first Emirati geriatrician and director of the Family Gathering Centre, has cared for the elderly and helped families to understand how to look after older relatives. She also set up a volunteer group in Fujairah to conduct basic blood sugar and pressure check-ups for seniors.
She sees the FNC as a path to replicate outreach programmes in other emirates.
“The country will have to cope with the challenge of medical and social services for the elderly,” said Dr Al Suwaidi, who has worked with the Dubai Health Authority for 16 years.
“Actually caring for a patient makes a big difference. I’m not a physician only to give medication. My concern is holistic care, to understand their psychological, mental and social state.”
She said she realised candidates needed to pick up specific issues or get lost in the crowd. Her plan covers prevention of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, rehabilitation centres for the elderly and disabled, regular training for Emirati physicians, awareness of mental health issues and hospices for the terminally ill.
Women candidates hope distinctive promises and recognition of work in social services or the arts will gain them backing.
Poet, social worker and businesswoman Khaltham Abdulla plans to advocate for an hour’s reduction in the work day so women can take care of their family, plus an increase in the number of day-care nurseries in government and private firms.
“I have a wish to help women change their lives,” said Ms Abdulla, who has published four volumes of poetry and runs an Arabic and French sweet business.
“Many ladies still remember my work in the social work sector. I will also do my best so 60-80 per cent of offices have nurseries and women don’t worry about their children when they are working.”
Shahnaz Abdul Razak, a writer and former structural engineer who has worked on housing projects, hoped women candidates would inspire young girls.
“I would like to create centres so Emirati writers and poets can interact and share their experiences. We need more support for books and publications,” Ms Razak said. “When women succeed it comes with a lot of responsibility. It will open the door for others.”
rtalwar@thenational.ae
