SDG5: Gender Equality

UAE Gender Balance Council 

The UAE has emerged as a regional leader for gender equality by providing women with equal access to education, healthcare, progressive career opportunities, and representation in the political and corporate decision-making process. Established in 2015, the UAE Gender Balance Council (GBC) is a federal entity responsible for developing and implementing the gender balance agenda in the United Arab Emirates. The Council aims to address persistent issues concerning gender gaps by advocating for gender equality across the UAE; through contributing to legislation on gender issues, and proposing ways to achieve a balanced representation of women and men in decision-making positions.

NAMA - Women Advancement Establishment

NAMA, Women Advancement Establishment, mobilizes the means required to provide environments that promote gender equity and inclusive economic and social growth. NAMA’s efforts stem from its core philosophy that women’s advancement is a fundamental requirement for the sustainable development of nations. Also, NAMA engages with grassroots and international organisations as part of its comprehensive approach towards developing an ecosystem in which women’s full potential is realised.

Women Leadership Program

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is fully committed to promote women’s rights, and considers the empowerment of women fundamental to the development of a modern and progressive society. Shurooq additionally supports high-level corporate leadership for gender equality by including gender equality policies and strategies. In addition to that, respecting and supporting human rights and nondiscrimination, including the recruitment, retention, promotion of women, while supporting their education, training, and professional development, which lead to an approximate increase of 70% of women in leadership positions since 2009 to October 2019.

Women-owned business registration

Shurooq’s business environment is committed to driving gender equality in the business world. An environment that implements enterprise development, supply chain, and marketing practices that empower women, by creating a policy to support women-owned businesses to increase the economic stability of families and communities. As shown an increase of women-owned business from 0 in 2017 to 54 registered companies in 2019 with a total number of purchases of 813,945.55 AED and 47 registered companies in 2020, with a total number of purchases of 3,839,714.24 AED.

Health Awareness Campaign and Health Policy

Shurooq is committed to develop and implement a system that supports a healthy and safe work environment, by periodically monitoring, reviewing, and ensuring the well-being of all employees of both genders.  This enhances and ensures the continual improvement of performance in compliance with the UAE laws that aim to prevent accidents, and to preserve the environment and sustainability.