The pursuit of equal pay for work of equal value is a vital pillar in supporting opportunities for progress and growth. As organizations and governments worldwide strive for gender equality, initiatives like those undertaken by the UAE highlight the importance of equitable compensation systems that empower women within the workforce. This article delves into the recent workshop held by the UAE Gender Balance Council in collaboration with the World Bank, focusing on the critical theme of “المساواة في الأجر للأعمال ذات القيمة المتساوية.”
Transformative Initiatives for Gender Equality
The UAE recognizes the indispensable role of women in driving development and shaping the future. To reinforce its commitment to gender balance, the UAE Gender Balance Council organized a workshop titled “المساواة في الأجر للأعمال ذات القيمة المتساوية.” This initiative coincided with the establishment of the UAE Gender Balance Center for Excellence and Knowledge Exchange, launched in partnership with the World Bank in 2022. The center serves as a regional hub to promote gender balance across the MENA region through consultations, workshops, and the sharing of best practices.
The workshop welcomed leaders and experts from both the government and private sectors, aiming to build upon the progress made in wage equality. By providing organizations with the tools needed to translate commitments into tangible results, the workshop underscored the importance of enhancing economic empowerment for women while showcasing best practices and successful experiences in this field.
Legislative Milestones Achieved
During the workshop, Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, highlighted a landmark legislative achievement. “In 2019, the UAE issued the first law of its kind in the region regarding wage equality between genders in government entities,” she stated. Following that, a subsequent law was introduced in 2020, addressing equal pay for equal value in the private sector. This legislative framework reflects the country’s unwavering commitment to gender balance, a principle established since the nation’s founding.
Her Highness affirmed, “المساواة في الأجر للأعمال ذات القيمة المتساوية is a fundamental component supporting opportunities for advancement and growth.” This commitment ensures that women are provided with equitable support and empowerment opportunities, facilitating their success and excellence in various sectors.
Driving Economic Empowerment
Moreover, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Deputy Chair of the UAE Gender Balance Council, emphasized the aim of the center to enhance wage equality through innovation and global expertise exchange. She stated, “The fruitful dialogue at the workshop is a significant step in translating the core values of gender balance into real results and achievements.” Her insights reflect how initiatives aimed at achieving “المساواة في الأجر للأعمال ذات القيمة المتساوية” bolster the UAE’s competitiveness on a global scale.
As the UAE continues to lead with pioneering legislation and policies, it has achieved a prominent position within the MENA region, particularly highlighted in the World Bank’s report on women, business, and the law. This status reaffirms the critical link between economic empowerment and gender equality.
Practical Tools for Implementation
The workshop offered valuable insights into the practical tools that employers can utilize to successfully implement equal pay measures for equal value work. Participants were provided with methods for objective job assessments and fair compensation, thus fostering continuous improvement in the workplace environment. The UAE Gender Balance Center for Excellence continues to play a vital role in translating commitments into real achievements, driven by innovation and the sharing of successful experiences.
Eva Hamel, the World Bank’s representative in the UAE and Bahrain, noted, “Achieving wage equality between men and women is essential for establishing fair and competitive labor markets.” She reiterated her commitment to providing the necessary tools and guidance to ensure wage equality across all sectors, in partnership with the UAE Gender Balance Council and within the framework of the Gender Balance Center.
The ongoing discourse and actions surrounding “المساواة في الأجر للأعمال ذات القيمة المتساوية” in the UAE emphasize a broader commitment to inclusivity and sustainable development, fostering a future where men and women alike can prosper in their careers.