By Staff Reporter
The UAE has launched the Gender Balance Council Pledge Awards to celebrate private organizations excelling in women’s leadership and gender balance.
Announced by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative underscores the country’s commitment to integrating gender balance into corporate structures.
The awards are a continuation of the UAE’s push toward gender equality, following the 2022 SDG 5 Pledge, which set a target of 30% women in leadership roles by 2025. H.H. Sheikha Manal emphasized that the new awards not only acknowledge achievements but also inspire companies to innovate inclusively and align with national priorities.
The initiative highlights the UAE’s growing role as a global leader in gender balance, with 71 organizations already signing the SDG 5 Pledge. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, stated that the next goal is to reach 30% women in leadership roles by 2025 for the initial group and 2028 for newer signatories.
With a focus on collaboration, the UAE Gender Balance Council is working with government and private sector partners to foster a culture of inclusion. Key accomplishments include a 21% increase in female labor market participation and a rise in women’s representation in leadership roles to 33.8%.
The launch of the awards marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s gender balance journey, reinforcing the country’s vision of equal opportunities for women and men to contribute and thrive.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
