On the occasion of International Womens Day

The UAE is at the forefront in empowering women, mirrored in the focus of our leadership, since the formation of the nation, in providing women education and developing robust career opportunities that support their personal and professional development.

The founding father of our nation, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, made the fundamentals for making sure the socio-economic progress of women, observing that women shape half of the society, and any nation pursuing prosperity should not leave them in poverty or illiteracy. This noble vision has been additionally built on by our present leadership by making sure the development of women in all fields from government to space missions and next-generation technology.

On this International Womens Day, I especially thank Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) for her versatile role in empowering Emirati women which continues to motivate us all.

Today, with almost half the nations workforce being women, the UAE has shown that the so-called glass ceiling does not exist in our nation and that any country wishing to empower their women can achieve it by committed action.

As an Emirati, I am, personally, proud and honoured by the achievements of UAE women as well as women throughout the world who pursuit to make huge contributions to make the globe a better place.

Women, especially, play the strongest role in making sure food security because 60 to 80 per cent of the food produced in most developing countries, and almost half of the worlds food production, are driven by women.

I am assured that in the following days, the role of women in further enhancing the food security of nations will benefit even more prominence, and we, in the UAE, will persist to support women-driven initiatives to attain global food security, a key pillar of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.