BySCEME
U.A.E makes Progress in allowing Women to have more Political Involvement
New Reports from the U.A.E have stated that there are record numbers of women now applying for seats on the Federal National Council – The country’s legislative body.
Out of the 469 candidates, 85 are women. Whilst this may seem a small number at first, it is a huge sign that things in the Emirates are moving forward and women are slowly gaining their place in the country’s political system.
The Emirates have not been directly affected but the widespread protests that have moved across the region, however, they have made significant developments and reforms over the last year. There has been a push for women to be more politically involved and they now make up 46% of the electorate. Anwar Mohammad Garhash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs showed his happiness in the rising numbers of with the results so far.
However, some female activists have been unsure about these latest developments. Whilst they are excited at the prospect of more female council representatives, the fact that the council does not have any actual legislative power means that women in any law-making process. “Female political participation is a relatively new phenomenon in the Gulf Arab states,” explained once source. The past UAE election saw only 1 woman elected to the FNC.
However, the movement is a positive step forward and the Emirates have proven itself to be on the road to breaking the gender inequality in the political sphere. Sadly may Gulf countries still remain headstrong on their views towards gender inequality as Saudi Arabia announced that no women will be allowed to run or vote in any of the Kingdom’s future elections.
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