Dubai: Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, former UAE Minister, said the rise of Emirati women to leadership and decision-making positions was not simply the result of appointments to senior roles, but the outcome of an integrated national system built on trust, empowerment and support.Speaking during a dialogue session titled "We Dream of the Strongest and Best" at the second edition of the Emirati Women's Forum, moderated by Hamed bin Karam, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan, Her Excellency reflected on key milestones in her professional and ministerial journey, as well as the broader path of women's empowerment in the UAE.Her Excellency highlighted her appointment as Minister of Economy in 2004 as a significant milestone, noting that it represented more than a woman entering ministerial work. It also marked the appointment of a woman to a major economic portfolio, helping challenge prevailing assumptions in the region and internationally about women's ability to lead economic sectors.She explained that before joining the federal government, she spent around 12 years working within the Dubai Government and held several responsibilities, including in the field of e-government."When the decision was made in 2004 for me to assume the Ministry of Economy portfolio, reactions outside the UAE carried an element of surprise and questioning," she said. "Inside the UAE, however, it was a natural outcome of a long journey of confidence in women's capabilities."Her Excellency added that international perceptions gradually changed as people became aware of her previous achievements and experience in technology and management, transforming the experience into an example of the UAE's ability to produce female leaders in specialised fields.Trust, empowerment and supportSheikha Lubna Al Qasimi said the UAE's success in advancing women's participation has been built on three key pillars."The secret of the UAE's success lies first in trust," she said, explaining that the country's leadership believed in women's capabilities and their ability to contribute and succeed in every field without limits being placed on their ambitions.The second pillar, she noted, is empowerment.She explained that empowerment began long before women entered government and political life, through access to education, employment and specialised professional fields including engineering and technology.Her Excellency said women's participation later expanded into political life, the Federal National Council and leadership positions across different sectors, making women an integral part of the national development system.She stressed that trust and empowerment alone would not be sufficient without a third pillar: support.According to Her Excellency, women who assume leadership positions must be provided with an environment that enables them to perform effectively, opens opportunities for success and allows their achievements to become examples for future generations.Early ministerial experienceReflecting on the first week of her ministerial appointment, Her Excellency recalled feeling the weight of responsibility after transitioning from a different professional environment.She acknowledged experiencing concerns about her ability to meet the expectations associated with the position but said those fears were quickly eased by the support she received from the UAE's leadership.She noted that such support gives leaders the confidence to move forward and fulfil their responsibilities successfully."When a woman is selected for a leadership position in a ministry, authority or institution, providing support, opening opportunities and facilitating her mission are essential elements in ensuring her success," she said.Pride in Emirati womenConcluding the session, Her Excellency expressed pride in the growing presence of Emirati women across government entities, institutions and leadership positions.She praised Emirati women who have demonstrated their competence in positions of responsibility and said their achievements continue to reinforce the UAE's progress in empowering women."Seeing this number of female leaders today is a source of pride and honour," she said.
