Gargash commends Emirati womens’ successful role in elections

Source: 
Gulf News
Publication date: 
Sep 10 2015

The UAE leadership is keen to empower women to become real partners in the country’s overall development, said Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee on Thursday.

Gargash commended Emirati women for playing a pivotal role in the success of the electoral process, in a lecture on the Federal National Council (FNC) Elections 2015 at the Sharjah Ladies Club at the event held under the patronage of

Chairwoman of Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs Her Highness Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, Wife of Sharjah Ruler His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah

Dr Gargash said the effective political participation of Emirati women in the elections reflect the advanced political culture of the UAE and its status as the top ranking Arab country in women’s empowerment.

Shaikha Jawaher on the other hand said Emirati women, who have the ability to represent their peers, should whole-heartedly participate in the elections for the FNC.

“Our women can lead the community and highlight our values in keeping with our culture and faith and ensure women are aware of their rights and know how to be positive members of a progressive society. Emirati women contribute greatly in the development of the country in all fields, while maintaining high standards,” she added.

Shaikha Jawaher said Emirati women should not limit their roles to only the social sector, which is related to the family and children.

“Her contribution to FNC is the same as the contribution of her male colleagues. We hope that women members of FNC will perform to the best of their abilities and will represent issues concerning the communities and the country in a positive manner at the Council.”

Dr Gargash pointed out that Emirati women have contributed to the nation’s achievements at the local, regional and global levels and expressed pride that they are ahead of their peers in many countries in the region.

Stressing the importance of women’s participation in the upcoming FNC elections, Dr Gargash urged them to achieve the interest of the country and the citizens.

Dr Gargash stressed the importance of the UAE women’s initiative to perform their role as voters and candidates during the election scheduled on October 3. He said women should benefit from their previous parliamentary experiences and employ their capabilities in the electoral campaigns to the convince voters.

The minister said the Federal National Council Elections 2015 has 341 candidates with women representing 22 per cent (76 candidates) of them. Women make up 48 per cent of the Electoral College, which confirms that UAE leadership is committed to empower women to occupy leadership positions in the state.

Dr Gargash urged the members of the electoral bodies to exercise their electoral rights and participate actively in the electoral process, which is a national duty to contribute to the comprehensive development of the UAE and take forward the empowerment process of the Federal National Council.

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