Women-friendly socio-legal infrastructure needed in the region, say experts at Global Women’s Forum Dubai

DUBAI, 24th February, 2016 (WAM) -- As the top-ranking official representing the UAE in Spain, the appearance of a woman as UAE’s ambassador came as a surprise to many, explained Dr. Hissa Al Otaiba. The ambassador was speaking at the first-in-region Global Women’s Forum Dubai during a session on ‘Voices from the Gulf’, which tackled misconceptions about Arab women in the region and the rest of the world. Other speakers included Dr. Basmah Omair, CEO, Alsayedah Khadija Bint Khawilid Center, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Ahmed Al Mukhaini, Chairperson, SASLO Legal Training Center, Sultanate of Oman. "When leaders that I met for the first time heard of the UAE ambassador, they would assume that they were about to meet a man. It came as a big surprise to them to see a woman, and after that realisation the conversation would always be a bit funny," Al Otaiba said. The ambassador faced many of the misconceptions discussed through her interaction with citizens in Spain. During such interactions she would often be asked: is the UAE woman allowed to work? "This shows that many people cannot understand the participation we have in the workforce. Currently 66 per cent of women in the UAE are participating in the workforce. We occupy all kind of powers; we are in ministries, parliament, councils, judicial departments etc. We owe 11,000 investment projects worth of Dh12.5 billion." In the KSA, there have been great achievements of women’s participation in the workforce, pointed out Omair. "The participation of women in the work force has been increased by 5 times. Where we used to represent 50,000 women, we are now 350,000. This is a huge progress, but we desire more. "We now have many women working. This is great as it has increased the visibility of women. Women are now seen taking their place in society. However, we also aim to see women in mid-management and top positions. "When we talk to decision-makers we are told to slow down, as society is not ready for this development. What we do is research public opinion, to see whether these are perceptions of these leaders or real sentiments. "When we asked whether people are ready to see women in ministry positions, 50 per cent said yes. When we asked whether people are ready to see women driving, 50 per cent said yes. And when we asked whether people were ready to see women work together with men and face male customers, 52 per cent said yes." The Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2016 is taking place at the Madinat Jumeirah from February 23-24, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and led by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment and wife of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, UAE. The Forum is organised by Dubai Women Establishment in cooperation with the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395291965511.html