The Permanent Committee for Human Rights is hosting an inspiring fireside chat on advancing women’s participation in public policy.

On the occasion of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, the UAE Permanent Committee for Human Rights (PCHR) organized a discussion on women's involvement in public policy in collaboration with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) and the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL). This event brought together government officials and diplomats from the UAE and Europe to explore ways to promote gender-inclusive policies and leadership.

Hind Al Owais, Director of the PCHR, opened the event by discussing the progress made and the challenges ahead in ensuring broader participation in decision-making processes. She highlighted the valuable contributions made by women in public service and emphasized the importance of enabling women to have a seat at the table to develop inclusive and comprehensive policies.

Al Owais also emphasized the vision and efforts of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, who established the General Women’s Union and played a key role in empowering women across all sectors.

The discussion emphasized the need for a comprehensive framework of supportive policies, legal protections, and institutional mechanisms to ensure women have the necessary resources and opportunities to engage effectively in public policy. The speakers also highlighted the prominent role of women in policy development and diplomacy, in line with the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The conversation highlighted the important role of international and national legislation in ensuring equal opportunities for women in public policy and decision-making. The speakers stressed the need for educational and professional development programs to empower women to enter public service and develop leadership skills.

Afra Al Hameli emphasized the UAE's commitment to women's participation in public policy, citing the country’s proactive stance in promoting gender parity and empowering women as vital partners in national development.
Roudha Alshehhi highlighted the significance of the fireside chat, stating, "Gender equality and women’s empowerment are deeply embedded in Emirati culture and society. Throughout the UAE’s history, women have held influential positions in public life. We take pride in the fact that women occupy 50 percent of the Federal National Council’s seats, as mandated by a directive from the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Significant progress has been made, both locally and globally, but there is still more work to be done. That is why events like this are crucial for advancing women’s involvement in public policy."

Dr. Chehab emphasized, "Education is the foundation of women’s empowerment and is crucial in enabling women to lead and contribute significantly to diplomatic efforts globally. To truly advocate for women in public policy, we must provide all available support and resources to open doors."

The fireside chat from yesterday is part of an ongoing event series hosted by the UAE Permanent Committee for Human Rights and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. This series serves as a platform for sharing best practices in implementing human rights, while building on the UAE’s tradition of collaborating with international and regional partners to promote and safeguard universal human rights in accordance with international obligations.