Successful women help pupils fight cultural stigma

Dubai: Ten successful career women yesterday spoke about their challenging experiences to help guide young girls who are fighting cultural stigmas to achieve their dreams.

The forum was part of events commemorating International Women's Day

"I don't understand why my brother is allowed to study abroad while I am restricted. I don't think its right," said 16-year-old Mariam Al Muhairi at the sidelines of the event, which took place at Al Mizhar American Academy for Girls.

While her classmate, Shamma Al Ghurair, thinks that males in the UAE are more prepared to study abroad since they are brought up to be more independent than females.

"Girls don't deserve to be given full independence as they will abuse it. Some males will abuse it as well but in the end people will point their fingers at females not males, which ultimately will ruin their reputation," said Tanaz Ahmad, an Emirati pupil.

Perception

Al Muhairi says, "It's absolutely wrong and this perception should be changed, which is why we should fight to bring our parents on our sides."

Speakers with careers in media, finance, NGO's, and charity organisations urged the young girls to try bringing their family members to their side when it comes to defining and achieving their dreams.

The keynote speech delivered by UAE businesswoman Raja Al Gurg, on behalf of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai highlighted the status of women in the UAE and the achievements of Emirati female pioneers.

"National men have always helped support women to become part of the entire community.

"Social justice in the UAE, before the law put women as equals to men. Twenty-two per cent of the national cabinet members are women - we also have four female ministers," said Al Gurg, President of the Dubai and UAE Businesswoman Council and Managing Director of Eisa Saleh Al Gurg Group.