UAE-Africa Women Leaders Conference Strengthens Women’s Empowerment Initiatives

Abu Dhabi: The General Women’s Union (GWU), under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, convened the “UAE-Africa Women Leaders Conference” in Abu Dhabi. This event, held at the GWU headquarters, aimed to enhance cooperation and partnerships in women’s affairs between the UAE and African nations. High-level participation included officials, women leaders, and representatives from over 40 embassies accredited to the UAE.

The conference commenced with an address from Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State. He emphasized that the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak underscores the significant role of women in the UAE. He noted that her support has been instrumental in empowering Emirati women to become leaders and contributors to society.

Sheikh Shakhboot remarked that the ongoing support from H.H. Sheikha Fatima has fortified women’s roles as active partners in the UAE’s development. He stated, “In the Year of Family, this patronage sends a clear Emirati message that women are not only partners in development but also custodians of values and a fundamental pillar of societal stability and prosperity.”

The Minister of State highlighted the historical context of women’s empowerment in the UAE, tracing it back to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He affirmed that national progress is inseparable from women’s participation, a belief that continues under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This commitment reflects a national conviction that empowering women is integral to state-building and human development.

The conference is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to strengthen its longstanding relations with African nations in the realm of women’s empowerment. It builds on existing memoranda of understanding between the GWU and several African countries, aimed at enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise.

Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, stated that the conference reflects H.H. Sheikha Fatima’s vision for fostering humanitarian and developmental cooperation globally. She noted that the strategic partnership between the UAE and Africa in women’s affairs is steadily evolving, with the conference serving as a testament to the depth of this collaboration.

Al Suwaidi added that the conference aims to further develop programs and initiatives that align with women’s aspirations across various sectors. “We at the General Women’s Union are keen to continue exchanging expertise and pioneering national policies that support women’s pivotal role in global development and prosperity,” she said.

Engineer Ghalia Ali Al Mannai, Head of Strategic and Development Affairs at the GWU, emphasized that women’s empowerment is crucial for shaping future strategies and achieving sustainable development goals. She acknowledged the UAE’s leadership in creating a global model for women’s involvement in decision-making, attributing this to the visionary leadership of the UAE and the unwavering support of H.H. Sheikha Fatima.

Al Mannai noted that the conference represents a continuation of efforts to strengthen international partnerships that enhance women’s leadership and prepare them to tackle global challenges effectively. The scientific agenda of the conference included three specialized sessions focusing on various aspects of women’s empowerment.

The conference concluded with recommendations aimed at strengthening legislative and digital environments that support women, as well as expanding the strategic partnership between the UAE and African nations. Participants praised H.H. Sheikha Fatima’s pioneering role in advancing women’s empowerment both regionally and internationally, affirming that the conference marks a significant step toward sustainable cooperation for a balanced and prosperous global future.

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Published on 2026-05-22 22:38:00 • By the Editorial Desk