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(NAPSI)-Women continue to make strides, with a growing number of amazing
accomplishments to their credit. And these achievements are happening not
just in the West, but all around the world.
Consider the United
Arab Emirates: The right of UAE women to
take part in the development of all areas of their society is laid out in the
UAE constitution, adopted when the federation was founded in 1971. It states
that social justice should apply to all and that, before the law, women are
equal to men, meaning they enjoy the same legal status, claim to titles and
access to education, and have the right to practice the profession of their
choice.
Sheikh Mohammed--ruler of Dubai,
one of the states, or Emirates, that form the UAE--is renowned for his
respect and support of women's rights. He has continually encouraged women to
be empowered in governmental departments and started the Intelaq
project, which provides incentives and other benefits for women who work at
home.
"Leading women in the UAE have played a key role in shaping the UAE
culture and developing our society," explains Sheikh Mohammed. "I
believe women in this country have a great deal more to offer, if they are
given the right support and commitment from society at large."
For example, in January 2008, Dubai
appointed two additional women to its cabinet--Ministers of State Maitha Al-Shamsi and Reem Al-Hashimy. The two
incumbent women members of the cabinet are Minister of Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Al-Qassimi and Minister of Social Affairs Mariam Al-Rumi. In addition,
the country's parliament--the Federal National Council--has nine women
members out of forty--the second-highest proportion in the Arab world after Iraq.
"To date, we have accomplished a great deal in regards to women's
affairs," says Sheikh Mohammed, "and I believe the coming years
will bring many changes that will further enhance women's role in society,
and that is precisely why I always encourage women to enter the workforce,
start their own businesses, take on leadership positions in line with their
qualifications and abilities, and focus on developing their abilities and
excelling in their fields."
Through its leader's vision, Dubai--a
progressive, sophisticated, cosmopolitan city--serves as a catalyst for
change. Strongly allied with the United States,
Dubai shares many American values and is using
those success criteria to help build bridges that will produce mutual
benefits for Dubai and neighboring nations in
the Middle East and beyond.
Women in Dubai and the rest of United Arab Emirates
are encouraged to get an education and practice their chosen profession.
Editors' Note: This announcement is distributed for Levick
Strategic Communications on behalf of the Government of Dubai. Additional
information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
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