Women more than housewives: Manal

UAE women have largely developed their role in the society within their push for stronger involvement in development and they have now become more than mere housewives, said Sheikha Manal bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, head of the Dubai Women’s Establishment (DWE).

“The women’s role in the society has largely developed and their active role in the local community is the best proof of this,” she told Albayan daily.

“They are now more than mere housewives and their role has surpassed that of looking after the family and children…women have become partners of men in all spheres of life and this has enabled them to prove their capability in innovation and creativity.”

Sheikha Manal, wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, attributed the achievements made by UAE women to the support and the encouragement of UAE leaders.

She said women also play a key role in the domestic economy, contributing by nearly Dh6.6 billion to the UAE GDP. The UAE also has nearly 22,000 businesswomen, managing more than 25,000 projects with a total value of about Dh45 billion, she said.

Asked about DWE plans, she said it aims to create a culture of innovation among UAE and Arab women so it will become their lifestyle.

“We are pursuing efforts to encourage the UAE women to create and innovate through the launching of initiatives that will boost their role in the community,” she said.

“As for DWE, innovation for us has no boundaries or limits…this slogan is the backbone of our strategy…that is why we are very committed to innovation in the long run through our own efforts and through the organization of international events and the launching of more initiatives and projects to encourage UAE women to be innovative.”

She said the 'Global Women's Forum Dubai'  to be hosted by Dubai would cover many issues related to innovation, creativity, accomplishment, encouragement and sustainability.

She said the forum would bring together more than 2,000 delegates from governments, the private sector, academic institutions and other establishments.

“This gathering is intended to give the participants the opportunity to explore new horizons for the present and the future,” she said.

“It is also designed to create a strong global network allowing women to be more active worldwide and to devise concrete plans to encourage women to contribute more to their community and to encourage diversity in their businesses.”

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