Sheikha Fatima said Emirati women have always been a cornerstone of the country’s present and future, and all relevant achievements on the ground are the fruits of the hard work that involved their participation, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Women in the UAE have always played a crucial role in UAE’s journey, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has said expressing his gratitude on Emirati Women’s Day on Sunday.
“On Emirati Women’s Day, we extend our gratitude to the women of the UAE for their exceptional achievements in a wide range of fields and unflinching dedication to the progress of our society and country,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on twitter.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said: “On Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate the mother of the Emirates and role models for Emirati women, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.”
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Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), has stressed that women are the cornerstone of the country’s process of building and empowerment, and are the icons of its national achievements.
She told state media WAM that the model of Emirati women’s empowerment established by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has been reinforced by leading national achievements and supported by the UAE’s leadership.
“Emirati women have always been a cornerstone of the country’s present and future, and all relevant achievements on the ground are the fruits of the hard work that involved their participation.”
“The UAE has completed 50 years of hard work and success. The country’s journey began in the desert and reached out to space.”
“As we start the next 50 years of our journey, we call on all females in the country to be proud of our accomplishments and build on them, as well as continue the development process to shape a bright future.”
“Emirati women have proved they are worthy of their responsibilities and the leadership’s trust and support,” she added.
The Ministry of Community Development has organised a dialogue session and other activities on Sunday.
The dialogue session was attended by Moza Al Akraf Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Development, and a number of the ministry’s staff.
The session hosted a group of renowned Emirati women who spoke about how their professional roles integrate with the authentic values that the ministry seeks to consolidate among Emirati families and society based on the ministry’s vision of supporting a stable family and a cohesive community.
During the session, Amal Al Sahlawi, Emirati writer and poet, spoke about her writings, poems, her role in disseminating UAE’s deep-rooted values, and the point of view of contemporary women poetically and intellectually.
Alia Al Shamlan, Director and Founder of Furjan Dubai Initiative, spoke about her initiative and role in reviving values, promoting them among members of the Emirati community, and bracing the spirit of communication between neighbours and residents of the neighbourhood known as “Fereej” in Emirati dialect.
Sustainable social impact
Several female Emirati volunteers who are part of programmes and initiatives of the Authority of Social Contribution (Ma’an) stressed that Emirati Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the inspiring achievements of Emirati women and their role in creating a sustainable social impact that enhances the country’s stature.
“In light of the ongoing support of the UAE’s leadership for Emirati women, under the framework of a forward-looking vision aimed at empowering them, Emirati women have utilised all opportunities provided to them in various areas, and have engaged in the process of sustainable development,” Salama Al Amimi, Director-General of Ma’an said.
Excellence in sports
Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union (GWU) and President of the UAE Women Sports Federation, said that Emirati women have ushered in a new era of empowerment and excellence in sports.
“The date, 28th August, is a pivotal milestone in the journey of Emirati women, as it witnessed the appointment of Sheikha Fatima as president of the GWU, which was established on 27th August, 1975, after she made remarkable achievements, driven by a progressive vision, and became an inspiring leader who contributed to the journey of women’s empowerment on cultural, economic, developmental, technological and sporting fronts,” she said.
“Over 47 years, she fashioned out of Emirati women icons who inspire women around the world. Emirati women have occupied high positions in the local and global arenas, leveraging the leadership’s support and the UAE’s female empowerment strategy to the fullest,” she said.
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