Women should get right space in society

Dubai : From humble beginnings in 2008, the women's sports department of the Sharjah Ladies Club (SLC) has come a long way. Leading the department — the only one of its kind in the UAE — is Nada Al Naqbi.

Though the SLC was established way back in 1949 at the behest of Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, it is the starting of the women's sports department that has given the club an edge as a much-sought after destination by women in Sharjah and the northern emirates.

Earlier this year, the department branched out even further to Dhaid, Khor Fakkan, Kalba and Dibba Al Hosn in an attempt to tap sporting talent from the hinterland.

The department was the proud recipient of the coveted Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Award earlier this summer. Here Nada Al Naqbi shares with Gulf News the vision and the road that lies ahead:

 GULF NEWS: Could you trace the beginnings of the women's sports department?

Nada AL NAQBI: To start with, this is the only full-fledged department catering to women's sports in the UAE. And it is Her Highness Shaikha Jawaher who has been behind every step that we have taken all along. She has a vision and that is to see women rise above all other petty issues and take their rightful place in society. And she, like we do, strongly believes that sports is a definite way in achieving this lofty goal.

How exactly does the department fit into the bigger scheme of things at the SLC and society?

Basically, we cater to eight sports disciplines including volleyball, basketball, fencing, karate and shooting.

The idea is to attract girls from a young age and then see how each of them can progress through a proper training regimen. Once we are convinced of the talented ones, then we take them under our wing and ensure they can pursue the sport of their choice.

 And what about the coaching staff?

We have among the best coaching staff under our wing. These are dedicated people who are here not just to identify and tap talent all over the emirate, but also help in their training process. For the past few years we have been organising the Gulf level sports competitions for women, and I can proudly state that the SLC have been champions for the past few instances. The next such competition is scheduled to be held next year and our expectations are even higher.

 How do you see these efforts bearing fruit?

This place is like a second home for girls who come and train here. And that's exactly what it's meant to be. We have managed to make a mark with our volleyball and basketball teams. And now we have a proper shooting team getting ready for the challenges ahead.

 And the social part of this experiment?

Well that is also very much palpable before our eyes. Women have been empowered by the role being played by this department. They see their role in society and start believing in what they can achieve and contribute. They get the attitude to participate and compete and then the winning mentality comes in.

 What sort of future do you see for this department?

Perhaps the brightest. We have the backing of our leaders and for sure, we have ambitions to be among the best. We have been winning and making our presence felt at the Gulf level.

It is now time to start winning at the Arab level and then go on to the continental level and then on to the international stage. All things are possible and we believe that we can do this together.

 What would be needed to achieve this goal?

We have the right training and a proper attitude too. We have the backing, and I am convinced that we also have all the right things to achieve more to fly the UAE flag high.

 For sure you don't expect the road to be even?

Oh no. It will be tough, but we will not give up. We have started something new and fresh and we will see this till the end. This is nothing of a one-off thing. We want our society to trust us as we are working for a change.