Women Leaders From South Africa And Oman Urge Global Action To Address Barriers To Gender Equality At The Global Women's Forum Dubai 2024

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024, held at Madinat Jumeirah from November 26 to 27,featured a compelling discussion on the transformative impact of women in parliament and government. Moderated by Naoufer Ramoul from Dubai Media Incorporated, the session featured Her Excellency Sindisiwe Chikunga, Member of Parliament and Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, South Africa, and Her Excellency Nahla bint Abdulwahab Al Hamdiyah, Member of the State Council of the Sultanate of Oman.

The dialogue centred on breaking barriers, fostering gender equality, and driving inclusive governance globally.

Her Excellency Sindisiwe Chikunga highlighted South Africa's remarkable progress in gender equality.The country ranks among the top five African nations and 17th globally. “South Africa’s achievements stem from decades of deliberate effort, though the journey has been fraught with challenges,” she stated.

Reflecting on the systemic oppression under apartheid, Chikunga explained women were doubly marginalised – not only due to race and class but also due to their gender. Women were considered legal minors, unable to sign medical consent forms, own property, or inherit assets. When democracy was achieved in 1994, the country started from a low base.

The constitution laid a foundation for reform, mandating 50% female representation in parliament and executive roles.

“Women have demonstrated excellence in transport, defence, and economic planning. Representation is key—not just for fairness but for bringing diverse perspectives to leadership,” she added. However, she underscored that legal frameworks alone are insufficient, advocating for social change to dismantle stereotypes and enable women to take on broader roles.

Echoing these sentiments, Her Excellency Nahla bint Abdulwahab Al Hamdiyah emphasised the distinctive impact women leaders bring. Drawing from her background as an industrial engineer, she said, “Women leaders inherently bring balance, collaboration, and justice to policy formulation. Having diverse voices at the table enriches decision-making and ensures equality and fairness in governance.”

Al Hamdiyah also addressed women's challenges in leadership, particularly in cultures where social norms restrict their participation. “Progress requires operative will and competence,” she stated. “Women must continue to upskill and educate themselves. Competence is the cornerstone of empowerment, and as women grow in expertise, they can compete effectively in any sector.”

Both leaders stressed the importance of creating platforms for dialogue and international collaboration to build a global ecosystem that supports women leaders. “The foundations are laid for an open world where women have unparalleled opportunities,” Al Hamdiyah noted.

However, she warned that sustained progress depends on social attitudes and structural support systems.Looking to the future, Chikunga expressed optimism about the next generation’s potential: "Young women must step into leadership roles with confidence and a commitment to building on the progress achieved so far. The momentum is moving in the right direction, and women are increasingly taking on diverse issues such as economic development and climate change.”

The session concluded with a call for more inclusive discussions and policies to harness the full potential of women leaders globally.