Women labourers dance blues away
dubai — It was probably one of the best nights Srijana Giri from Nepal had in a long time — five years to be precise — at her labour accommodation in Al Quoz, Dubai. She was one of the 200 women at the Chicago Ladies labour accommodation who danced away their blues on Wednesday night at the International Women’s Day celebrations organised by the UAE Exchange.
This year, the brand had invited South Indian film actor Fahadh Faasil as the guest for the event and his popularity can be gauged by the fact that even the male workers of a neighbouring labour accommodation had gathered outside the ladies camp to cheer and welcome the Malayalam superstar.
“This is the first time I’ve celebrated women’s day with bluecollar workers and I must say the experience is unforgettable. It’s beautiful to see hundreds of women live together and support their families back home. They are real heroes,” the 34-year old star said.
The actor not only interacted with and felicitated the expatriate women workers from Africa, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka, but also danced and played games with them on stage. A host of performances by the workers along with a number of fun games got the ladies in the right mood as they sang, danced and cheered for their fellow workers.
“The event instilled such positive energy and enthusiasm in the women workers and made them feel really special. This was a great way to show them that even if they are away from their families, we are there to take care of them,” said Amal Hassan, assistant manager, administration, at the Chicago Ladies labour accommodation.
Srijana Giri, a staff at a GEMS school staying at the accommodation, said: “We work very hard. From 5am in the morning to 5pm in the evening, we are on our toes. So being a part of such an event made us feel pampered and loved. This was also an occasion when I got to meet and see so many of our talented ladies who stay in this facility.”
“We recognise the role of women and their impact on the society and the economy. Female empowerment is part of the UAE’s strategic vision, with the UAE Gender Balance Council tasked with improving gender equality. UAE Exchange is proud to support the UAE government,” said Promoth Manghat, CEO, UAE Exchange.