UAE champions women’s empowerment at BRICS ministerial meeting

The UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment on the global stage, taking part in the BRICS Women’s Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Brazil.

The Emirati delegation highlighted the UAE’s progress in gender balance, digital safety, entrepreneurship and climate leadership, with the active involvement of women.

Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of UAE Gender Balance Council, praised Brazil’s leadership of the BRICS group and stressed that women’s economic empowerment is a national priority and key to sustainable growth.

She outlined the UAE’s achievements, including laws supporting equal pay, parental leave and women's leadership in green innovation.

Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, showcased the UAE’s success in female entrepreneurship, noting that Emirati women make up 18 per cent of entrepreneurs, with over 77 per cent under the age of 40. The number of female entrepreneurs in the country increased to 25,000 by 2021.

Al Marri also addressed the UAE’s leadership in digital safety and climate action, with women holding key roles in the UAE’s COP28 delegation and space programme.

The UAE’s active participation reflects its ongoing efforts to collaborate globally on gender equality and create inclusive opportunities for women across all sectors.

The UAE, represented by the Gender Balance Council, participated in the BRICS Women’s Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Brazil, where discussions focused on women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, digital safety, and climate action. pic.twitter.com/529H2LiUYW

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 25, 2025