Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, has approved the operational plan that was presented by the work team of the Gender Equality Lab, an internal programme that aims to achieve balance between male and female employees at all levels in the Authority.

The operational plan, which was detailed for Emirati Women’s Day on 28th August, is dependent on three pillars - empowerment through honing the skills of employees, providing training in leadership positions in the field of gender equality, and developing and launching initiatives to improve the working environment and promote the culture of gender equality and communication, by involving employees in all strategies and programmes to understand the needs and necessities of both genders.

In her speech, on the occasion, Al Hashimy congratulated H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and all Emirati women. She said this yearly event sheds light on the role of Emirati women and their abilities, energies and accomplishments in developing the social, economic and cultural life in the country.

She further directed co-ordination at the highest levels between the Lab and the "UAE Gender Balance Council" so that all initiatives are in line with the Council’s vision as a main federal authority sponsoring this important topic. It also seeks to support efforts towards women's empowerment and equality.