Delivering an introductory lecture on the coming FNC elections at the General Women’s Union in the Capital on Wednesday morning, Dr Gargash urged them not to miss this chance to enter the political consolidation process of the nation as women this year have 46 per cent representation in the electoral college.
Today, the UAE women are capable enough and they had proved their efficiency in different sectors and positions, which they held during yesteryears, Dr Gargash said.
The first FNC elections in 2006 were a successful experience he said, and added that in 2011, the elections have taken a giant leap forward in terms of the size of the electoral college.
According to the minister, the number of eligible voters rose from 6,595 or 2.3 per cent of Emiratis in 2006 to 129,274, more than 30 per cent, this year. That includes 59,991 women who are eligible to take part. The number of female candidates has risen from 63 to 85 this year.
Now, the women of the country have an open invitation to benefit themselves with their larger presence in election committees and play an active role in the UAE society through electing candidates of their choice to the FNC, Dr Gargash said.
The path for women’s consolidation in the UAE was laid several years ago by the Founder of the Nation, late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and these efforts are being continued under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“The women in the country have achieved tremendous success in fields of social work, economic affairs, educational and other sectors, but currently the opportunity is in front of you to enter the gates of political consolidation. This can be proved with your wider participation in September 24 elections.”
The UAE has stepped up initiatives for women’s empowerment in the country as women form 59 per cent of the government sector employees and 22.5 per cent of the FNC members, and four women are in the Cabinet.
According to a report released by the United Nations, the UAE has the first position in empowering women in the Middle East and North Africa region, the minister quoted.
Expansion of the electoral college is a strong initiative of the country’s leadership to widen political participation of the people. Now’s it is the duty of the voters to support this step and make it successful, Dr Gargash stressed.
The minister also explained to them that women’s empowerment is achieved through step-by-step political, social, cultural and educational reforms, which have touched different sections of the society.
“Now, the society has changed and expanded. Issues are more complicated and varied. This requires gradual reforms in all sectors and the UAE is ahead in translating these objectives among other Middle East Arab countries,” Dr Gargash said.
On means of electioneering used by candidates, he said, “For example, I found (out that) one candidate has some 50,000 followers on Twitter and I have some 2,000 followers on the same network.”
The reform steps are based on studies and are being executed one after another. “Our first electoral experience was successful, now you have to make this successful with your wide participation,” the minister said.
