Launch of the Arab Observatory to Enhance Women’s Economic Roles

Post by : Mara Rahim

Organized by the League of Arab States in collaboration with the General Women's Union (GWU), the inaugural meeting of the Arab Observatory for Women’s Economic Development brought together national representatives from diverse Arab nations. The session aimed to lay the groundwork for the observatory’s initial phase prior to its official introduction.

Discussions centered around fostering regional collaboration to promote women’s economic empowerment, creating an exchange platform to share innovative ideas and formulate action plans advantageous to women across the Arab region.

Welcoming the attendees, Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, GWU Secretary-General and Chair of the Steering Committee for the observatory, conveyed messages from H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, revered as the “Mother of the Nation” and recognized as Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

Al Suwaidi emphasized the essential role that national focal points will play in executing the observatory's initiatives and advancing women's economic participation within the region. She articulated that the observatory symbolizes fruitful Arab solidarity and highlights the UAE’s commitment to initiatives aimed at empowering women.

Participants utilized this engagement to offer insights, align on activities, and establish frameworks that would guarantee the observatory's successful functioning. These collaborations aimed to unlock the observatory’s potential and prepare it for efficient future operations.

Anticipated to function as a core hub for data collection, best practice sharing, and program development, the observatory aspires to promote women’s active engagement in sectors like entrepreneurship, employment, and leadership, thereby facilitating skill enhancement and meaningful contributions to economic progress.

A key focus was the UAE’s vision for regional collaboration in advancing women's empowerment. The observatory is intended to serve as a benchmark for monitoring progress and aiding member states in enacting policies that enhance women's economic contributions.

Officials pointed out that the observatory is charged with enhancing understanding of the challenges and opportunities that women experience in various countries. It will assist governments, institutions, and organizations in formulating policies that promote equality, close gender gaps, and create a more inclusive economic landscape.

Closing the meeting, participants reaffirmed their dedication to fostering robust collaboration, ensuring that the Arab Observatory for Women’s Economic Development emerges as an impactful platform for regional initiatives aimed at empowering women economically.