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The United Arab Emirates has launched the second edition of the Women Parliamentarians Forum of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. The event, organized by the Federal National Council, began today at the council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The forum brings together parliamentary leaders and delegations from Gulf Cooperation Council nations and Euro-Mediterranean countries for a two-day conference focused on women’s empowerment.
According to official statements, the forum operates under the theme “Empowering Women for Cohesive and Inclusive Societies: From the Gulf to the Mediterranean.” Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the “Mother of the Nation” and Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, serves as the patron of this significant gathering.
Regional Cooperation on Women’s Empowerment
The Women Parliamentarians Forum represents a crucial platform for dialogue between Gulf and Mediterranean nations on advancing gender equality in legislative bodies. Participants include heads of parliaments, parliamentary delegations, and representatives from regional and international civil society organizations. The gathering aims to strengthen cooperation between these two strategically important regions on issues affecting women’s political participation and social inclusion.
The Federal National Council’s role as host demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to promoting women’s representation in governance and decision-making processes. The forum provides an opportunity for parliamentarians to exchange best practices and develop collaborative strategies for addressing challenges facing women in their respective countries.
Building Bridges Between Gulf and Mediterranean Nations
The choice of theme reflects growing recognition that women’s empowerment is essential for building cohesive and inclusive societies across both regions. By bringing together stakeholders from the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Euro-Mediterranean countries, the forum facilitates cross-cultural dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities. This collaboration enables participants to learn from diverse experiences in advancing women’s rights and political participation.
Additionally, the forum addresses the intersection of legislative action and social development, examining how parliamentary work can promote greater gender equality. Discussions are expected to cover topics ranging from women’s economic participation to their role in peacebuilding and community development.
UAE’s Leadership in Women’s Advancement
The hosting of this parliamentary forum aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to champion women’s rights both domestically and internationally. Under the leadership of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the country has implemented numerous initiatives to enhance women’s participation in public life and governance. The Federal National Council itself has seen significant female representation, reflecting national commitments to gender balance in decision-making institutions.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean serves as an important multilateral platform for dialogue among nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea and neighboring Gulf states. The organization’s focus on women parliamentarians acknowledges the critical role women play in shaping policies that affect families, communities, and nations.
However, challenges remain across both regions in achieving full gender equality in parliamentary representation and leadership positions. The forum provides a venue for addressing these obstacles through shared knowledge and coordinated advocacy efforts among participating nations and organizations.
The two-day conference is expected to conclude with recommendations and commitments from participating delegations on advancing women’s empowerment initiatives. While specific outcomes have not been announced in advance, observers anticipate that the forum will produce actionable strategies for strengthening women’s roles in parliamentary work and community development across the Gulf and Mediterranean regions.
