UAE women at the controls
As the nation stops to honour its women, we look at their progress and the trailblazing work of Sheikha Fatima
The country’s women are well positioned for an even bigger role in sustainable development, says Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation, ahead of today’s Emirati Women’s Day.
“Thanks to the grace of Allah the Almighty and thanks to the unlimited support of our wise leadership, the women of the UAE are moving from success to success in the fields of education, career and family care,” Sheikha Fati- ma, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, told Aletihad, sister paper of The National.
She paid tribute to her late husband Sheikh Zayed, the Founding President, who laid the foundation for women’s empowerment, and hailed the vision of President Sheikh Khalifa in helping to continue that advancement. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, last night added his voice in praise of Emirati women and of Sheikha Fatima. “We do not only empower women but empower the whole community through women,” Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.
He said Emirati women made up two- thirds of government staff and university graduates, and a third of the Cabinet. Sheikh Mohammed called Emirati women the most beautiful, the best and the strongest. “Our state will remain stronger thanks to your diligence and perseverance. May Almighty Allah safeguard the Mother of the Nation for us and you.”
Sheikha Fatima referred to the many initiatives launched by the GWU that helped to advance women in health care, education and social welfare. “The UAE’s women are now well positioned to assume a larger role in the sustainable development process,” she said. “Their efforts, their contributions and their successes in taking the lead are evident.
“We look forward to see more achievements by the UAE women and we will be with them every step of the way, providing support and setting the ground, guided by the teachings of our tolerant Islam, by the principles of our wise leaderships and by values of our heritage.” Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, said women were grateful and proud of the leadership for its unlimited support. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, said Emirati women had left their mark through significant contributions to the nation’s development. “These contributions qualified them to earn appreciation from the top levels,” Sheikha Manal said. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, praised Sheikha Fatima on the occasion, which was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the establishment of the General Women’s Union.
Others praising Sheikha Fatima and Emirati women included Ahmed Al Jarwan, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, the Arab League and Egypt’s Council of Women.