An Emirati woman has done her nation proud by becoming the first UAE national to become a member of the UN since the UAE became a member of the United Nations in 1971.
Hind Al Owais has become the first Emirati woman appointed to UN position with the role of senior advisor for the UN headquarters in New York.
The career diplomat, holds an MA in public policy from the Tisch School of the Arts in New York and is currently pursuing a doctorate at NYU’s Steinhart School of Culture Education, will be working at the UN entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women.
In her position with the UN she will work to ensure the integration of a gender perspective in the implementation of sustainable development goals.
Related Story: Celebrating Emirati Women’s Day: What It’s Like to Be An Emirati Woman
“Having an Emirati woman in this position is a reflection of the international recognition that the UAE has achieved, not only on gender equality, but also as … a serious player in this international organisation,” said Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN.
Ms Al Owais’ appointment has come during an important year in terms of women’s empowerment in the United Arab Emirates. This year, for the first time ever, August 28 was named as Emirati Women’s Day. It is also the 40th year of the UAE General Women’s Union (GWU), and of course, it is the eleventh year of the Emirates Woman Woman of the Year Awards, celebrating inspiring and talented women in the region.
Related Story: Women In Business In The UAE
The UN was set up in 1945 and its mission is to preserve world peace. Author and poet Elena Vararesco was one of the first female ambassadors. Other notable female UN representatives include inspiring celebrities, here are some of the most popular:
Emma Watson Women’s Goodwill Ambassador for the UN
The fresh face of feminism
During an impassioned first speech at the organisation’s headquarters in New York, Emma launched the revolutionary #HeForShe campaign, a “solidarity movement for gender equality”. The movement encouraged men to speak up for oppressed women everywhere.
Angelina Jolie Goodwill Ambassador to UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Angelina at a refugee camp
The most prolific A-list ambassador, Aneglina is outspoken and recently she actually slammed the UN for failing to help Syrian refugees and now a legion of celebrities have joined forces to help raise awareness to the on-going plight.
She has conducted over 40 field visits in remote refugee camps in the likes of Tanzania and Namibia.
Nicole Kidman Goodwill Ambassador
Not the most notable but her global support as spokeswoman for the Say NO–UNiTE to End Violence against Women initiative as been valuable. She has worked tirelessly to give female survivors a voice and has helped raise for programmes that address violence against women.
