FNC members, citizens hail UAE women power

Abu Dhabi - The current speaker of the FNC is also a woman, and she is all praise for the increased representation.

The UAE's decision to reserve half of the Federal National Council (FNC) seats for women is being hailed as an example for the the world where women remain underrepresented in parliaments.

There are 40 members in the FNC, representing the seven emirates, and according to the latest presidential decree, 20 of them have to be women with effect from the upcoming legislative cycle.

FNC members as well as UAE citizens who spoke to Khaleej Times said they are proud that their country is in the forefront when it comes to women empowerment.

Hamad Al Rahomi, FNC member from Dubai, said it is a welcome move to have more women in the parliament. "In fact, it is not anything new. Women are serving in many high positions in the UAE. They are playing important roles in the society. Now, the same will be reflected in the FNC as well."

In a country that values women's contribution immensely, it is natural to have more women politicians, said Al Rahomi.

"They have already made their mark in politics as ministers and speakers. We are happy to welcome more women to the FNC."

The current speaker of the FNC is also a woman, and she is all praise for the increased representation. Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, speaker of the FNC, said the "trend-setting initiatives launched by the UAE leadership to empower women are models to be copied".

She said it is a fair legislation that will ensure women's rights, but will also help "unleash their potential and double their contributions to the sustainable and comprehensive development drive".

Alya Sulaiman Al Jassim, another FNC member, said the 50 per cent representation of Emirati women in the FNC means giving them equal opportunities in political decision-making. "Giving women the opportunity to enter the parliamentary work, and experience the election process is only a completion of the process of confidence-building in women undertaken by the UAE government," said Al Jassim.

For Eman Al Naqbi, a public sector employee in Abu Dhabi, empowering women and increasing their role in politics does not in diminish men's status in any way. "In fact, it enhances their role and also helps them understand the role of women in society."

Fahed Ali, a UAE national and an IT professional, said raising the representation of women is a positive step in ensuring gender parity.

anjana@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi