You go girl!

Being a girl is not just about beauty, fashionable clothes and makeup. To be a truly successful woman, or any individual for that matter, means to have the confidence, knowledge and power it takes to make a contribution to society. Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, recently awarded the Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Award for Excellence to 24 young women from the GEMS network of schools, who demonstrated all three qualities.

Winners of the annual scholarship award are nominated by committees from each school based on outstanding academic achievement, significant contribution to environmental concerns, a high level of social or community service and commitment to world citizenship. The award, which includes a scholarship to cover a year's tuition fee at a GEMS school and is offered to female students from kindergarten to grade 12, was instituted in 2005 to honour Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, for her contributions to the empowerment of UAE women.

Notes spoke to three of the scholarship winners about their hard work, dreams and accomplishments.

Winners of the Shaikha Fatima Awards also include:

• Diandra Fernando, Grade 10, The Cambridge High School, Abu Dhabi
• Abigail Freeman, grade 11, Jumeirah College, Dubai
• Ahana Nanda, grade 5, GEMS Wellington Primary School, Dubai
• Shaikha Shaikha Saeed Saif Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, grade 11, Shaikh Zayed Private Academy, Abu Dhabi
• Salama Al Majid, grade 11, Al Khaleej National School, Dubai
• Krishnasruthi Srivalsan, grade 12, Our Own English High School, Sharjah
• Malak Aya Mouaki Benani, grade 7, Royal Dubai School
• Rhea Sharath Ganapathy, grade 11, Cambridge International School, Dubai
• Vinaya Shah, grade 5, The Sheffield Private School, Dubai
• Angela Susan Abraham, grade 4, The Kindergarten Starters, Dubai
• Chithraa Raj, grade 11, Our Own English High School, Al Ain
• Drishti Masand, grade 6, GEMS Wellington International School, Dubai
• Pooja Ramaswamy, grade 11, Our Own English High School, Fujairah
• Mina Nader Nuqul, grade 4, GEMS World Academy, Dubai
• Angeline Christy Mohankumar, grade 8, Our Own English High School, Abu Dhabi
• Shweta Johri, grade 11, Dubai American Academy, Dubai
• Mansuda Zeba Arora, grade 5, GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi
• Aswathy Mechur Jayachandran, grade 12, Our Own Indian School, Dubai
• Ashna Gupta, grade 5, Jumeirah Primary School, Dubai
• Shaziya Kalam, grade 10, Our Own English High School, Dubai
• Rama Suhas Kulkarni, grade 12, Dubai Modern High School

Aisha Ahmad Grade 10,
Winchester School, Dubai

How did you win this award?

This award doesn't just take into account academics. It rewards you for other contributions, such as that to the environment and world citizenship. I participated in Dubai Cares, Red Crescent and many other charity events.

Why are such awards important for young women?

They are important because despite our progress we still live in a male-dominated society. Such awards show our potential and allow women to emerge from the crowd.

Who is your female role model?

The ideal role model for me is Fatima Ali Jinnah [sister of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan] because she strived through thick and thin and supported the building of a nation –my country Pakistan. She is a source of motivation for me to do something for my country, just like she did.

Kirti Ramesh
Grade 12, Millennium School Dubai

How do you feel after receiving this award?

Great. It's a wonderful addition to my final year of school and make it even more memorable.

How did you achieve this award?

Through working hard in academics and progressing at a steady pace. I am also the top student when it comes to sports and athletics and I participate in various cultural activities, including drama and debate.

Why are such awards important in the UAE?

Awards like this are especially important across all Middle Eastern and Asian countries where women have been oppressed throughout history. This award highlights women's achievements and supports their progress both in education and society. They are a wonderful idea.

Maria Hassan Ali
Grade 11, Westminster School, Dubai

What advice would you give others who want to follow in your footsteps?

Well, I did this with the support of my family and teachers and a little hard work. With the help of your teachers and friends, and with determination anyone could get this award.

How do awards like this make a difference for women?

They bring successful women to light and portray them in a better way [than the common stereotypes]. It is especially important in the UAE, as it is one step closer to diminishing the difference between men and women.

Any future goals?

I have some pretty clear ambitions. I would like to pursue dentistry and perhaps be a dental surgeon. I always found myself drawn to it after I completed my internship at my cousin's clinic.