Abu Dhabi: Etihad Aviation Group marked 2018 International Women’s Day with a week of engaging activities featuring a number of leading women from across the UAE.
The highlight of the activities was a panel discussion with Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, president of Zayed University, and Rachel Ruto, the wife of Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto.
Shaikha Lubna highlighted the need for women and men to work alongside one another. “At work, you have female and male colleagues and just the same in school. Take it as a partnership, take it as that everybody has a role to play in society and in life. Respect the men as they contribute a lot and support us women.”
Ruto, also founder of the Joyful Women Organisation, said: “I advise every woman to go for their dream. I advise you to be whatever you have desired to be, to be whom you dreamt to be. Just know that you can attain that potential and that nothing should be able to prevent you from getting whatever you want in life.”
Amina Taher, vice-president of Corporate Affairs at Etihad Aviation Group, added: “We are very grateful to Shaikha Lubna and Rachel Ruto for taking the time to join us at Etihad’s headquarters, and sharing their remarkable stories with us.
“At Etihad Aviation Group, we are privileged to have many inspiring women working here, and we are delighted to have hosted these activities to spotlight their extraordinary stories, as well as the impressive achievements of women from across the UAE.”
Shaikha Al Suwaidi, the UAE’s first Emirati female photographer, who delivered a lecture on the occasion, encouraged everyone to pursue their dreams.
In addition, Etihad hosted an internal programme under the theme of ‘Press for Progress’, which consisted of networking among female Etihad employees to discuss progress in the workplace, life and health.
There was also a flower wall which allowed staff members to place a flower in return for making a donation to the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment.
