Western perceptions of Arab women are based on a lack of understanding of the economic and political role of women in Arab society, according to a women’s leader.
Mona Al Marri, chair of Dubai Women’s Establishment, told a world women’s forum in Seoul that Dubai imposes no barriers to the advancement of women, news agency WAM reported.
Almost 52% of Dubai’s workforce is female, with women contributing over 100,000 work hours a year to the economy, she said.
Over 600 women attended the ‘Defining Leadership and Success’ forum, including government ministers, businesswomen, media and opinion formers. Al Marri highlighted Dubai and the UAE as progressive environments which acknowledge the potential and achievements of women.
“Contrary to general perceptions, UAE women play a highly significant role in contributing to the country’s development,’ Al Marri said.
International media, however, continues to ignore this fact, she continued, questioning whether women are allowed to work.
Al Marri praised the role of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, in encouraging women to excel in professional, academic, arts and sports fields.
“Women in the UAE hold prestigious and significant positions in the political, commercial, academic and financial arenas. This needs to be proclaimed to the world that still harbours doubts about women’s role in the modern Arab world” she said.
The UAE media has shown particular success, she said, with top management at Dubai One TV and Emirates News comprising national women.
The Dubai delegation included Azzah Al Sharhan, Director of the Emirates National Development Programme (ENDP), Maryam bin Fahd, Managing Director of Dubai Press Club and Mona Bin Kalli, Events Manager at Dubai Women’s Establishment, who shared experiences and challenges as working women in Dubai.
Follow us on
