DUBAI: At the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024, the UAE Gender Balance Council launched the Gender Equality Acceleration Pledge, reaffirming the nation’s leadership in gender equality. Signed by representatives of seven major organisations, the pledge focuses on increasing women’s representation in leadership roles to 30% by 2028.
The pledge aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5, promoting women’s full participation in leadership. Signatories include ADNOC, Al-Futtaim IKEA, Tristar Group, and Mediclinic Middle East. Their commitment underscores the UAE’s prioritisation of gender equality as integral to national progress.
Yaser Almazrouei of ADNOC highlighted the strategic importance of diversity, stating, “This commitment fosters a more inclusive and sustainable future for the energy industry.” Similarly, Vinod Jayan of Al-Futtaim IKEA emphasised their inclusive workplace, with 31% of their workforce and 24% of senior leaders being women.
Dr. Yasar Jarrar of the CSO Network praised the pledge as a milestone for equity, calling it “a forward-looking movement to redefine organisational cultures.” Dr. Nabil Alyousuf of IAG added, “This initiative is not symbolic; it’s a transformative step toward empowering women in leadership.”
The pledge outlines actionable goals, including equal pay initiatives, mentorship programmes, and eliminating unconscious bias. Companies will report progress annually to ensure accountability and drive measurable change.
Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, stated, “True gender equality is a cornerstone of sustainable development and innovation. This pledge accelerates the UAE’s vision of a balanced, equitable future.”
Building on the UAE’s Equal Pay law and international collaborations, the pledge exemplifies the country’s commitment to global best practices, setting a benchmark for gender equality in the private sector.
