UAE | General
Fatima receives Athena Award
- By A Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 March 10, 2003
 The Athena Award |
The award, which was founded in the U.S. in 1982, is given to female personalities who have contributed in the development and empowerment of women. It is the highest award presented by the International Athena Foundation.
Sheikha Fatima is the first eminent personality in the Middle East to receive the award and the 11th in the world.
She was honoured by Marth Mertz, founder of the Athena Foundation, on the occasion of the first graduation ceremony of the Zayed University held at the Abu Dhabi National Theatre.
Marth Mertz in her speech congratulated Sheikha Fatima for her contribution towards women's education in the UAE and praised her role.
"I am honoured and deeply moved to thank Sheikha Fatima on behalf of the girls and women around the globe for exemplifying the highest model of leadership and to present her with this award for her quiet yet powerful contribution to positively change all of us."
Mertz said the award is presented to an outstanding recipient who has met three criteria. She is a person who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence, who has given her time and talent back to her entire community and, most especially, her life and work has had a powerful and positive impact upon women and girls throughout the land and beyond.
She said in the 20 years history of the Athena Foundation, only 10 such awards have been presented. This is a historic occasion because for the first time such an award is being given in the UAE.
"This award highlights the valued partnership between Zayed University and the International Athena Foundation and it underscores the value of their shared missions, opening leadership opportunities for women. This award emphasises the importance of expanding leadership roles in the 21st century for women and girls."
In a video speech transmitted on the occasion, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the university, praised the role of Sheikha Fatima in supporting women's education and congratulated her on receiving the award.
"The distinctive role of Sheikha Fatima in leading women's progress in the UAE is highly appreciated and admired by everyone. Recognising this role the Athena Foundation has given her this international award, an award provided to prominent women leaders who make great and tremendous efforts in serving women issues all over the world."
Sheikh Nahyan added: "I invite you all to share with me this glorious moment in giving her this honour in appreciation of her great accomplishments and pioneer achievements in all fields."
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