‘Women communicate better with war-affected’

abu dhabi — Dr Ayesha Sultan Mohammed Al Dhaheri, deputy commander of the Armed Forces Medical Services Corps, shared her inspirational on-the-ground experience while she was helping protect women, men and children in areas of war, tournament and conflict. She was talking at the ‘Gender Dimensions of International Peace and Security: Keys to Prosperity and Peace’ forum on Monday.

“It takes the right woman and the right leadership to succeed in this field, because the support from our leaders is crucial.”

She has worked in conflict zones like Kosovo in 1999, Afghanistan, and Yemen in 2015 and recalled her on-field work with medical services.

“It was found that women are more capable of communicating with victims — it wasn’t just about providing medical care, but also about helping those in the UAEbuilt refugee camps, which had more than 50,000 refugees.

“Through communication, we realised we do have something valuable to add; we have a different perspective, other methodologies or

We have a different perspective, other methodologies or tools that give victims solutions. Dr Ayesha Sultan Mohammed Al Dhaheri, deputy commander, Armed Forces Medical Services Corps

tools that give victims solutions. We have an important ability: being able to communicate with men, women and children — specially in conservative communities facing conflict.”

Dr Al Dhaheri said that although being on the ground posed a risk to her life, “it is the only way. It is an experience that encourages many other women”.She, along with a group of Emirati women, try to empower other women in dangerous areas. “Excluding women will not solve the problem. I am taking a risk, just to ease their lives, but having their trust in me is what matters.”

She said there has been a rapid increase since 2015 in the number of Emirati women helping victims in war.“While men are fighting, women are right there behind them, helping ease the suffering.”

jasmine@khaleejtimes.com