Women's Day: Sheikh Mohammed issues special message

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a special message to women ahead of the the International Women's Day that's marked on March 8.

Sheikh Mohammed congratulated the UAE women on all their scientific, economic and social achievements. He also congratulated the UAE mothers "for their support that produced beautiful stories to be proud of".

He also acknowledged the country's vision to include women in the development journey from the very beginning.

In 2018, Sheikh Mohammed had said that women make up 70 per cent of his team.

The UAE has made important women’s rights reforms in recent years, such as passing new domestic violence protections, Human Right Watch said recently.

As of 2015, women occupy 66 per cent of public sector jobs, one of the highest proportions worldwide. About 30 per cent occupy senior leadership positions associated with decision-making roles.

The UAE is the number 1 country in the world when it comes to women's representation in parliament. Fifty per cent of the UAE's 40-member Federal National Council (FNC) are women.