The Emirates Businesswomen Council held on Wednesday the first forum of women entrepreneurs in the country at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

The event was attended by Abdullah Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy for Foreign Trade and Industry, who addressed the gathering on behalf of Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy.

The minister hailed Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the pioneer behind women's empowerment in the UAE, and added that this forum was held under her patronage. He also extended his thanks to the council for its efforts in organising this unique event. While wishing for a successful event, Al Mansouri said, "This success will not only be limited to Emirati women but will also be extended to the present and future UAE generations."

The Minister of Economy noted that the UAE’s women have come a long way with regard to women’s empowerment and active participation in economic and social development, armed with support from the wise leadership. He added that Emirati women now occupy leading positions compared to their peers in many other countries of the world.

He added that since the establishment of the General Women's Union in 1975 by Sheikha Fatima, its huge achievements till date have demonstrated the dimensions of success.

The minister added that the UAE is the first Arab country and the second in the world to launch the mandatory appointment of women members in corporate boards and institutions. He added that Emirati women today occupy 66 percent of the workforce in the public sector, 30 percent of them in leadership positions linked to decision-making.

Al Mansouri said 23,000 Emirati businesswomen run projects worth over AED50 billion, and occupy 15 percent of the positions in the boards of chambers of commerce and industry nationwide.

Source :WAM