Abu Dhabi: Her Highness Shaikha 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, has expressed her pleasure at dedicating the first Emirati Women’s Day to mothers of martyrs and women working in the armed forces.

In a speech made to mark the day, Shaikha Fatima said, “Most of the world’s countries reserve a day annually to celebrate women’s achievement and to assert their roles in sustainable development and their right to assume high positions as agreed by religious teachings, national legislations and international conventions. The celebrations reflect a sincere collective desire to guarantee all basic human rights to women, to achieve gender equality and to eliminate all forms of social, cultural and political discrimination against women.

“We in the UAE are blessed with a wise and honest leadership who devoted themselves to their people and have placed priority on citizens’ welfare. We are also blessed with people who cherish their leadership and who are eager to serve and defend their country. The UAE has become a modern state and a role model for efficient legislations, policies and practices towards human rights and particularly women’s rights.

“On this day, the 28th of August 2015, we dedicate our celebration of the first Emirati Women’s Day to the mothers of the martyrs who did not hesitate to offer their sons as heroes and martyrs for the sake of their motherland. We also dedicate it to the women in military service who left the life of comfort and luxury to protect their country and to see its flag flying high.

“I urge my fellow Emirati women to maintain the achievements made and to work harder towards more achievements, progress and empowerment. I also urge Emirati women to actively participate in the upcoming Federal National Council elections, in order to play an effective role in the next legislative chapter.

“May Allah the Almighty grant you further success and bestow strength on you to safeguard our country.”