UAE Gender Balance Council Joins BRICS Women’s Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Brazil

The UAE 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. Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, attended the event and praised Brazil’s leadership within the BRICS group. She reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to global collaboration that empowers women and drives sustainable, inclusive growth.

In her speech, Her Highness emphasized that economic empowerment is both a fundamental right and a key driver of innovation and resilience. She highlighted the UAE’s progressive policies on equal pay, parental leave, and women’s full economic participation, stressing the country’s dedication to supporting women in climate action, sustainability, and green innovation.

Her Highness also expressed pride in the UAE’s accomplishments in women’s empowerment, attributing these milestones to the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

The UAE was represented by Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the Gender Balance Council. The meeting opened with remarks by Brazil’s First Lady Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and included leaders such as Brazil’s Minister of Women, Her Excellency Aparecida Gonçalves, and other prominent figures.

Key topics included:

• Entrepreneurship: Her Excellency Mona Al Marri discussed Emirati women’s growing influence in business, with 18% of entrepreneurs being women. She also called for expanded mentorship networks and cross-border platforms for women entrepreneurs.

• Digital Governance: Al Marri stressed the need for safe, inclusive digital spaces, citing UAE legislation to combat cyber harassment and support women in the digital economy.

• Climate Action: She highlighted the UAE’s leadership in women-led climate initiatives, citing the COP28 delegation and other national efforts to support women in green innovation.

Bilateral meetings were held between Her Excellency Mona Al Marri and Brazil’s Minister of Women, exploring opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange on gender balance. UAE Ambassador to Brazil, His Excellency Saleh Ahmed Al Suwaidi, also attended the discussions.

The UAE’s participation in this international platform further underscores its dedication to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment on a global scale.