Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Committee, has commended Emirati women for playing a pivotal role in the success of the electoral process. He added that the UAE leadership is keen to empower women to become real partners in the country's overall development.

Addressing a lecture on the Federal National Council Elections 2015 at the Sharjah Ladies Club, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler's Office, Dr. Gargash said the effective political participation of Emirati women in the elections reflects the advanced political culture of the UAE and its status as the top ranking Arab country in women's empowerment.

Dr. Gargash pointed out that Emirati women have contributed to the nation's achievements at the local, regional and global levels and expressed pride that they are ahead of their peers in many countries in the region.

Stressing the importance of women's participation in the upcoming Federal National Council Elections, Dr. Gargash urged them to achieve the interest of the country and the citizens. "Women play an important and active role in discussing laws, submitting recommendations and making decisions in the Federal National Council. The presence of women in the Council is a qualitative leap in the parliamentary system," he said.

He praised the efforts of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, stating that under the supervision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi it has become one of the leading national organisations that contribute to the achievement of the leadership vision in promoting the role of women. The Council has encouraged women to take up an active role in the community through awareness and educational programmes organised throughout the year, Dr. Gargash said.

He stressed the importance of the UAE women's initiative to perform their role as voters and candidates during the elections scheduled for 3rd of October. He said that women should benefit from their previous parliamentary experiences and employ their capabilities in the electoral campaigns to the convince voters.

The minister said the Federal National Council Elections 2015 has 341 candidates with women representing 22 percent, or 76 of them. Women make up 48 percent of the Electoral College, which confirms that the UAE leadership is committed to empowering women to occupy leadership positions in the state.

Dr. Gargash urged the members of the electoral bodies to exercise their electoral rights and participate actively in the electoral process, which is a national duty to contribute to the comprehensive development of the UAE and take forward the empowerment process of the Federal National Council.

Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi said, "Emirati women, who have the ability to represent their peers, should wholeheartedly participate in the elections for the Federal National Council. Our women can lead the community and highlight our values in keeping with our culture and faith and ensure that women are aware of their rights and know how to be positive members of a progressive society. Emirati women contribute greatly in the development of the country, in all fields, while maintaining high standards."

She added, "We don't want to limit the role of Emirati women to only the social sector, related to the family and children. Their contribution to the FNC is the same as the contribution of their male colleagues. We would like Emirati women to be open and learn from positive developments in other cultures and societies; this will enable them to perform their duties well. An individual is part of the family, a family is part of the community, and communities woven together make the country, women understand the needs of the society well and therefore it is vital to have women representatives within FNC. We hope that women members of FNC will perform to the best of their abilities and will represent issues concerning the communities and the country in a positive manner at the Council."