Abu Dhabi: Emirati women’s success in many fields in present-day society can be attributed to an important inherent quality — their ability to tackle challenges, according to a senior citizen.

“It is in the Emirati women’s nature to challenge the challenge,” Atija Ali Taresh Al Herbi said at an event in the capital on Thursday.

“That is what we did and that is what these ladies are doing today,” said Al Herbi, a long-standing member of the General Women’s Union (GWU), while talking to a group of young Emirati women.

Al Herbi and Zulaikha Al Sayed Al Hashemi, one of the original founders of the GWU, were joined by eight other GWU members where they shared their experiences from the past, the old ways, and provided advice to the youngsters who have been making remarkable progress in the field of aviation.

“We [Emirati women] used to be and we still are the backbone of the society,” Al Hashemi said at an event organised by Etihad Airways in preparation to celebrate Emirati Women’s day.

Speaking to Gulf News Al Hashemi said, “I am so proud of what the Emirates’ daughters have achieved throughout the years. It is marvellous to see just how far they have come.”

“In the old days we used to work at home, support our husband and go wherever he was working. Today’s Emirati women are working just as hard and we are very excited and proud to see them excel,” she added.

Al Hashemi was one of the most popular personalities at the event as she made jokes, took selfies and even tried on a pilot hat, proving that she could overcome any generation gap.

She put fun aside to sit with each of the staff individually and listen to what they had to say about their hopes and dreams and even gave the women advice if they shared any issues they may have faced in society.

Muna Abdul Kabeer, a graduate technical trainee, who has at times been subjected to people’s harsh opinions about her job which they think is manly because it involves working on an aircraft, said the GWU women really inspired her to continue pursuing her dreams.

“They told me to ignore what people say because people will say what they want to say, so let them. They said follow you heart in what you want to do and keep working hard,” said Abdul Kabeer.

“They also advised me to be strong, to be who I am and to never change,” she added.

Abdul Kabeer said she often visits the GWU to learn about her heritage. “It is important to never forget about them [older generation] and the old ways because they are part of us. Shaikh Zayed said, without the past we will never have a present or future because they are all connected.” A motto she said she tries to follow.

Alisha Al Mansouri, senior first officer on an Airbus A380 aircraft, was equally inspired by the meeting, “I think it was very inspiring to meet these women and remember where we come from and where we have reached,” said Al Mansouri.

“It makes me look forward to what the future generation will accomplish,” she added.