Electoral college member welcomes more women in UAE government

Fatima Mohammed, 30, said more women were being recruited in Abu Dhabi government departments 'and they are filling leadership positions so, based on that, it is natural to add more women in the electoral college'.

ABU DHABI // Fatima Mohammed was not surprised to see her name in the electoral rolls for the October FNC polls.

Mrs Mohammed, 30, said more women were being recruited in Abu Dhabi government departments “and they are filling leadership positions so, based on that, it is natural to add more women in the electoral college”.

She believes she has been included because she has worked for the Government since graduating from Zayed University.

“So I have been integrated within the Abu Dhabi emirate’s affairs,” said the project manager who joined her husband and brother in being eligible to vote and stand for election.

“It is a beautiful thing to be part of the election process and decision makers in important issues that concern the UAE in general, and Abu Dhabi specifically,” she said.

While she is keen on voting for whoever she considers most qualified, Mrs Mohammed said she would not run this term. “Maybe in five years, because I will be more mature at that age,” she said. “I can add more to the council after getting more experience.”

“Now I have been working for eight years, I don’t think it’s enough for me to take decisions on an emirate level.

“I am already in a decision-making position at work but I have not reached the FNC member stage yet.”

She would like to see more working mothers in the FNCto better reflect their status in society.

When a woman has a child, she said, they are more concerned about the conditions of education, health and general society.

“The fact that I am expecting my first baby encourages me even more to nominate myself in the future,” she said.”