The lecture was organised by the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs and the General Women’s Union.

• Ahlam Al Lamki: Our wise leadership has made sure all requirements are met to empower women to compete for and win seats in the Federal National Council.

Abu Dhabi, October 6, 2021 – The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MFNCA) has organised a remote lecture in collaboration with the General Women’s Union (GWU) and as part of the ‘Virtual Electoral Culture Majlis’ initiative.

Titled ‘Are You Ready? The ABCs of Electoral Campaign Planning’ , the lecture is part of a series of events and activities the MFNCA is organising to promote a culture of political participation with all members of the community, shedding a light on parliamentary work in the UAE and the many achievements that have been made in that regard.

Ahlam Al Lamki, Head of the GWU’s Research and Development Department, spoke at the lecture, discussing the strategic partnership between the General Women’s Union and the MFNCA, and looking back at the close collaboration between the two entities to enhance the culture of political participation among Emirati women. Al Lamki shed light on women’s experience with political participation over the years and the role this participation has played in strengthening parliamentary processes, as well as the contributions it is expected to make in the next 50 years. The lecture outlined the basic skills women need to succeed in FNC elections, as well as effective tactics to win FNC seats, in line with the leadership’s commitment to empowering Emirati women.

Al Lamki began the lecture by highlighting the GWU’s tremendous efforts to support women and empower them politically with a series of initiatives and strategic partnerships with relevant entities that raise women’s awareness and provide them with the tools they need to be part of the decision-making process.

The UAE’s wise leadership has created all the conditions needed to enable women to rise through the ranks and be partners in achieving sustainable development, she explained, citing that women in the UAE have assumed the post of Speaker of the Federal National Council. This is a reflection of women’s awareness, knowledge, and ability to effectively discuss issues that concern the UAE and its citizens, in line with the aspirations of the UAE’s leadership and people, she asserted.

Al-Lamki noted that the empowerment process enhanced women’s role in the parliamentary sector, where they took part in all four previous FNC elections both as a voters and candidates, winning several seats and becoming FNC members. Women in the UAE have also made incredible parliamentary achievements at the international level, and now occupy half of all seats in the Federal National Council.

It is important that women have all the tools they need to organize successful electoral campaigns that win the votes needed to be part of the FNC, Al Lamki said, noting the importance developing women’s personal skills, ability to influence and persuade, and knowledge of the issues of concern to society.

Women must learn how to put together a strong electoral campaign team, assign tasks and duties, and set up meetings with voters, she continued. They must educate themselves about objective and scientific approaches to electoral campaign management, and knowing the plans and psychological aspects of the electoral campaign. Enabling women to develop these skills, which include personal, knowledge, practical, and communication skills, would allow them to manage a successful electoral campaign that would win over voters.

The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs is organising a series of meetings and lectures, announcing the dates, addresses, and speakers through its official social media accounts: mfnca on Instagram and @mfnca on Twitter.

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