UAE launches ‘Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision’ for women’s future

The UAE has launched “Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision”, a new campaign led by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation.”

The mission sets the direction for women’s role in the country over the next 50 years. The announcement came on Emirati Women’s Day 2025, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the General Women’s Union.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the country’s progress is strongly linked to the role of Emirati women.

“The progress of the UAE has always been closely tied to the achievements of Emirati women and their pivotal role in strengthening our communities and contributing to our nation’s development”, he said.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the day is not only a celebration of women’s past achievements but also of their future. He described women as “the spirit of the country and the heart of its identity, as companions on the journey and as true makers of change.”

The 'Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision' is based on three areas. The first focuses on family and national identity. The second sets up stronger systems and strategies to support women in education, work and leadership. The third builds global partnerships to help Emirati women play a bigger role on the world stage. The plan is designed to guide women’s roles up to the year 2075 and supports the UAE Centennial 2071 goals.

This year’s Emirati Women’s Day theme is “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years of Achievement”" It was chosen by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak to reflect both the country’s history and its future. The theme also matches President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s decision to name 2025 the Year of Community, under the slogan “Hand in Hand".

The new vision comes after five decades of achievements. When the General Women’s Union was founded in 1975, female illiteracy was 62 percent. Today, it has dropped to just 1.6 percent. Women now make up more than half of all university graduates, with most of them studying science and technology. Emirati women hold 42 senior leadership roles, represent 24 percent of the Cabinet and occupy half of the Federal National Council seats. In healthcare, the maternal death rate has dropped from 19 per 100,000 births in 1985 to 2.5 in 2023. Women have also advanced in sports, culture and humanitarian work in more than 50 countries.

The 50:50 Vision builds on these gains. It calls for new projects in technology, artificial intelligence, energy and climate. It also introduces stronger support for senior Emirati women and People of Determination. The plan includes creating foresight labs to train women in key industries and encouraging more women to take part in global decision-making. It also aims to expand international platforms, host forums and summits in the UAE and launch global awards in the country’s name to highlight women’s achievements.

Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, said the new vision continues the work started by Sheikha Fatima.

“Her directives have always inspired national efforts to enhance women’s roles, provide opportunities across all life stages, and strengthen their contribution to the UAE’s progress”, she said.

With this plan, the UAE looks to the next 50 years with women as full partners in the country’s growth and as key figures in shaping its global role.