'Our hard work is being recognised'

Dubai: The outstanding achievements of women should be celebrated, but the challenge is fulfilling future expectations, the sole elected female member of the UAE's Federal National Council said yesterday.

The recipient of two regional awards on the occasion of International Women's Day, Dr Amal Al Qubaissi said the event is a chance to "salute the achievements of women and to work to accomplish more."

"Honestly, women in the UAE are very fortunate...we are empowered, but there are certain obstacles, mostly social, that still need to be tackled," Dr Amal told Gulf News, naming the question of the status of children of national women married to foreigners as one.

One of the recipients of a local International Women's Day award, Safia Bari, said she feels as though "my hard work is being recognised."

For a decade, the Director of the Special Needs Families Support Centre and tireless campaigner has organised events and awareness efforts to help families of children with special needs.

Overcoming barriers is something that fellow award winner Fatima Kazim, Chairperson of the Airline Operating Committee at Dubai International Airport can certainly relate to. As the only female airport manager in the GCC region, when she started her career, it was considered "taboo" for women to work in her chosen field.

"Woman at that time held the position of a teacher or a nurse...It has been a remarkable challenge, but goes to show that women are capable of excelling in any field."

With 2007 International Women's Day focusing on Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls, human rights activist and founder of the City of Hope women's shelter, Sharla Musabih, said enhancing dialogue on the issues is paramount.

"The most important thing is that we need to start communicating and being open about the issues. Problems like domestic violence do not have a race or religion, so discussing and coming up with solutions in an open and transparent way is vital," said Musabih, who was also recognised with an award.

"I would like to see the UAE become a shining example for women of all nationalities...There is a lot to still improve."

Until recently, the issue of women's rights was not tackled in the Gulf, according to Nadia Al Sayegh, director of special needs centre Senses. Nadia says it was not until after the emergence of formidable female leaders, particularly in the business world, that the status quo began to change.

"Emirati women excelled in the field of business and now women are standing with men in all positions. So, in our generation, we have really started from zero, and have fought for our Islamic rights," she said.