The United Arab Emirates ranks number one in the Arab world on empowerment of Women for the year 2014, according to the Arab Women Foundation.

In its annual report for 2014 on the reality of the participation of Arab women in decision-making bodies, governments, parliaments and parliamentary elections in the Arab countries, the Foundation expressed its appreciation to the UAE for pursuing polices of women empowerment. Women constitute 22 percent of the membership of the Federal National Council, which is the highest proportion of women participation in the Arab countries for the third year in a row.

The report added that with the number of women ministers increasing from two to four, the UAE steadily makes way towards more chances for women participation especially in areas such as judiciary and the diplomatic corps and the increasing number of women involved in business.

In a statement, Dr. Suad Suleiman, Media Advisor for the Arab Women Foundation praised the initiatives of a number of Arab countries in seeking and following policies that enhance women participation in various fields.

The report will be distributed in English and French to United Nations organisations, the European Union in Brussels, European universities, research centres and women bodies in the Arab world.
Source: WAM