Law sets out to narrow gender gap

DUBAI // The head of a women’s rights group has welcomed laws that ensure the advancement of women’s roles in society.

This week, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, issued new legislation to establish the Dubai Foundation for Women.

The organisation was formed to reinforce women’s roles and narrow the gender gap.

Shamsa Saleh, chief executive of the Dubai Women’s Establishment, welcomed the legislation and said her group would play its part in enacting the laws.

“With all the new things happening, Dubai Women’s Establishment as a local entity should be aligned with these changes in the country and this is the reason behind the update in the decree,” she said.

The forthcoming FNC elections, for which there have been a greater number of female candidates than ever before, were proof of the advancement of women, Ms Saleh said.

She said further proof could be found in the Gender Balance Council, which was established by Sheikh Mohammed this year to increase the part played by Emirati women in the nation’s progress.

The law, which has already come into effect, also empowers the Dubai Women’s Establishment to propose legislation aimed at maintaining women’s rights and to design initiatives and projects that lead to involvement of women in all walks of life.

The Dubai Women’s Establishment can review and develop policies to that end, Ms Saleh said.

The organisation was formed in 2006 to develop the next generation of female Emirati leaders by conducting programmes, seminars, training sessions and forums.