Manal launches initiative to shape female role models
dubai — An initiative to create a platform for female Emirati role models to share their knowledge, skills and experience with other national women across the nation has been launched by Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president of the UAE Gender Balance Council and Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), and wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Dubbed ‘Qudwa’, the Arabic for ‘role models’ — the initiative seeks to empower Emirati women to further contribute to the development of the UAE.
The four-month initiative is part of the DWE’s objective of offering Emirati women opportunities to meet accomplished female role models, including ministers and leaders in various fields in both the public and private sector. The DWE will create opportunities for Emirati icons to share their life journey with aspiring National women between September and December 2017.
Commenting on the innovative launch, Sheikha Manal said: “This initiative was launched to coincide with the Emirati Women’s Day, under the theme of ‘Women Partners in Giving’, which was launched by the ‘Mother of the Nation’ Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, who dedicated her life to serving the nation and supporting the development of Emirati women.
“The initiative creates a platform for inspiring Emirati women role models to engage with aspiring students, graduates and fresh recruits in the workforce. ”
Three sessions to enlighten young generation
The female Emirati role models, who have distinguished themselves with their contributions to society, will share their expertise with senior university students, women professionals, and new employees in the workforce, through three dedicated platforms: ‘Knowledge Sharing Sessions’; ‘A Working Day with Your Role Model’; and ‘Meet Your Role Model’. They will have the opportunity to have an informal meeting with accomplished national icons. They can seek advice in both professional and personal areas, get to know them and gain inspiration on how to live an accomplished life.
Sheikha Manal said: The three different sessions are exclusively designed to enable distinguished and inspiring female role models to enlighten Emirati women and girls on how they can lead exemplary professional and personal lives.
During this session, aimed at university seniors, accomplished women role models will teach Emirati women about their professional journey, the challenges they had to conquer, and their early career strategies. The aim is to help boost the confidence of aspiring Emirati youngsters, and help them succeed in their chosen careers.
Sheikha Manal said: “Emirati women are not only working alongside men as equal partners, contributing to the nation’s development, but also making a significant impact on national life armed with their scientific temperament, knowledge, experience and determination.”
The initiative will celebrate their various achievements as much as it will empower Emirati women to lead enriching personal and professional lives.
The Qudwa initiative reflects the objectives of the ‘Year of Giving’ launched by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and is inspired by the call made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to the workforce of both the government and private sectors to strengthen humanitarian initiatives throughout the year. — Wam
Emirati women are not only working alongside men as equal partners, contributing to the nation’s development, but also making a significant impact on nation.” Sheikha Manal, president, UAE Gender Balance Council