Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ABUDHABI1124
2008-10-06 13:14:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:  

UAE WOMEN SHATTERING STEREOTYPES

Tags:  PGOV PHUM SCUL SOCI AE 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO9302
OO RUEHDE RUEHDIR
DE RUEHAD #1124/01 2801314
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 061314Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1535
INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ABU DHABI 001124 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD AND G/IWI

E.O. 12958: DECL: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM SCUL SOCI AE
SUBJECT: UAE WOMEN SHATTERING STEREOTYPES

Sensitive but unclassified.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ABU DHABI 001124

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD AND G/IWI

E.O. 12958: DECL: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM SCUL SOCI AE
SUBJECT: UAE WOMEN SHATTERING STEREOTYPES

Sensitive but unclassified.


1. (U) Summary: The UAE takes pride in noting that the prominent
roles women play in UAE society defy traditional stereotypes of women
in the Arab world. A series of recent appointments of women to high
profile positions is seen as testaments to progressiveness of the
country's leadership as well as attempts to normalize women's
presence in more aspects of Emirati society. With the first ever
appointment of female ambassadors, women making their way in national
politics, and women defying the roles traditionally prescribed to
them in business, today's UAE women face choices starkly different
from their mothers a generation ago when the country was born. That
said, they also face some societal barriers quite familiar to their
aunts and grandmothers. End summary.

UAEG report reminds of female progress
--------------


2. (U) A report on women in the UAE, just released by the
government, highlights the progress women have made in the country.
In the words of the authors, "The report stems out of a conviction
that the women of the UAE are truly a success story to be celebrated.
Despite the many preconceptions and stereotypes with regards to
women in the Arab world, the lives of women in the UAE illustrate
that such stereotypes do not necessarily apply in this country."
The successes of women have also been highlighted in a media campaign.


3. (U) One of the most revealing statistics regarding women's
progress is in academic achievements. Women in the UAE constitute
70% of the country's university graduates (from domestic universities
in the UAE). In fact, according to the 2008 UAE Yearbook, only 29
Emirati women between the ages of 25 and 29 held university degrees
30 years ago -- today, 16,100 (out of approximately 41,000) women in
the same age group are university graduates, and those figures are
rising by the year. Although universities remain segregated along
gender lines, women are actively encouraged to pursue academic
achievement with no restrictions on their courses of study. 2008 has
seen Emirati women blazing trails into traditionally male dominated

fields like flying -- this year, the UAE produced both a female
Boeing pilot and a female Airbus pilot. In sports, another male
dominated arena, the UAE sent female athletes, including Maitha Al
Maktoum, the daughter of the Crown Prince of Dubai, to the 2008
Beijing Olympics. In line with the country's growing prominence on
the financial stage, women contributed AED 25 billion (USD 6.8
billion) in investments to the UAE economy.

Two female ambassadors -- a UAE first
--------------


4. (U) On September 15, the first two female ambassadors in the
country's history were appointed: Dr. Hissa Abdallah Al Otaibah, a
PhD in Business Management, is the new Ambassador to Spain and
Sheikha Najla Mohammed Salem Al Qassimi, a career diplomat (since
2002),is the newly appointed Ambassador to Sweden. At a Ramadan
evening event hosted by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed on
September 16, the day after the appointments were announced, EmbOffs
observed that women attending the event were abuzz over the new
appointments. Sheikha Al Qassimi made a positive impression on those
around her, including Minister of State Reem al-Hashemi, a recent
addition to the cabinet and broadly respected for her contribution.
The following night one participant excitedly recalled that she had
stayed up talking late into the night at the palace with the new
ambassadorial appointee, who was clearly seen as yet another pioneer
in the UAE's march towards greater female participation. In fact,
the number of women at this traditionally male event (a lecture
followed by a late evening meal) was another indication of the
inroads being made in Emirati society. At another Ramadan event on
September 24, EmbOffs found the buzz surrounding Ambassador Al
Qassimi's appointment had far from abated, with women still excitedly
expressing their genuine delight and pride at her appointment. In
one indication of shifting societal norms, al Qassimi told EmbOff
that her own mother had been "shocked" by her appointment, only
recognizing the honor when the congratulations poured in.

Building on prior progress
--------------


5. (U) Women had started making their way in the public sector even
before the appointment of the two ambassadors. In 2006, Dr. Amal Al
Qubaisi, elected by the Electoral College of Abu Dhabi, became the
first woman in UAE history to win a seat on the 40-member Federal
National Council (FNC). The government also nominated eight other
women to the FNC. The UAE prides itself on the fact that the
appointment of these women translates to a 22.5 percent share of
parliamentary seats, which exceeds the world average of 17 percent
female representation in similar chambers. On February 17, two
women, Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemi and Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, were
appointed as government ministers (each a Minister of State without
portfolio),bringing the total number of female government ministers
to four. While the Federal Judicial Authority previously prohibited

ABU DHABI 00001124 002 OF 002


women from working as judges or public prosecutors, in January, Dubai
appointed its first female judge and in March, Abu Dhabi followed
suit. These appointments in the two largest emirates are seen as
precursors to an amendment to the Federal law.


6. (SBU) Comment: Some would argue that the appointments of female
ambassadors, ministers, judges and FNC members are superficial forms
of affirmative action. Optics are no doubt a key factor, but the UAE
leadership also seems to grasp the need to normalize the
participation of women in the development of society. Demographics
in a country where the UAE national population is under 20% of total
residents makes it imperative that the female half of that local
population be encouraged to participate -- especially in government
positions which call for citizenship as a criteria for employment.
With such a small pool, more nationals are also needed in the work
force generally. Encouraging employment for the spouses of resident
expatriates also injects more personnel into the labor market without
increasing the number of foreign families. Women offered the
creative outlet of meaningful employment bring a valuable perspective
into the marketplace that has clear economic benefits. Surprise
expressed by foreigners at the strides that women have made in the
country is often met with amusement by young Emirati women for whom
the rising status of women is increasingly normal.


7. (SBU) Comment continued: Time will tell whether the increased
prominence of women has staying power and will continue to expand
into decision making circles in more walks of life. Women have no
expectation of competing with the rulers of the various emirates in a
society in which the ruler has the final say. Women still face
societal and legal challenges in combating domestic abuse,
transmitting citizenship to their children, inheritance rights,
freedom to marry non-Muslims, and (in some families) foreign travel
without the consent of male relatives. Many women find promotions
hard to come by in their companies (although some have taken over
family businesses in the absence of a brother to assume that role).
Time will also tell how newfound roles may alter the national
identity -- and the family roles of women who find it harder to fit
marriage into their plans. More unmarried women would mean less
future Emirati nationals to staff the work force. End comment.

OLSON