Dubai: Gender equality, it is said, is a journey and not a destination. For a young country like the UAE, this journey has been worthwhile as well as commendable in the way it has been charted. The role of Emirati women in shaping the UAE as one of the most dynamic and progressive nations has been exemplary.
For over a century now, the global community has been celebrating an International Day for women in March, championing equal rights and equal opportunities for women. While the UAE celebrates this as well, it is also asserting its own strengths and women-oriented issues by instituting the Emirati Women’s Day on August 28 that acknowledges their role its growth.
Emirati women speak of what this occasion means to them.
Designation: CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE),
Background: Laila is the first woman to lead DFRE and is a Board Member of the Dubai Events Council and Head of the Women’s Sports Committee.
“The UAE has made great strides in women’s participation and gender equality and is continuously establishing its unique place on the world map as a country that truly values the contributions made by its women across every sphere. In the last few years especially, the UAE has strongly emerged as a powerful international force championing the cause of women empowerment and equal rights. Our women leaders have played an extremely instrumental role in driving the growth of the UAE and ushering it into a new era of progress and development.”
“The mother of the nation, Shaikha Fatima, stands as a testament and inspiration to all the Arab women in the world and that this day serves as a reminder that women of the UAE have a bigger role to play in continuously reaffirming the country’s pioneering position in the world.
Name: Amna Sultan Al Owais
Designation: Deputy Registrar and SCT Registrar, DIFC Courts
Background: Prior to joining the Courts’ team, she worked as a lawyer for Hadef Al Dhahiri And Associates in their litigation and commercial department. She also the Registrar of the Small Claims Tribunal at the DIFC Courts.
“The UAE today can take great pride in what has been achieved in terms of gender equality. The legal system is a particularly good example and you will find women operating at the most senior levels in courts and law firms throughout the UAE. I have served as Deputy Registrar of the DIFC Courts since 2008, while we appointed our first female judge in 2008, and my colleague Maha Al Mehairi is training to become our first female Emirati judge. I believe the DIFC Courts is a representative of the wider prevailing opinion in UAE professional life that ability, not gender, is what counts.
“Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak recognised straight away that if the UAE was to fulfil its undoubted potential, it would need to be able to draw on the full talents of its people, men and women alike. By tirelessly championing education and empowerment, Shaikha Fatima has been the driving force behind ensuring women take their place in the workplace. She is an inspiration for every Emirati woman as they embark on their professional careers.”
Designation: Researcher at Zayed National Museum project at Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.
“Her Highness Shaikha Fatima has had an undoubted role in providing all the possible support in empowering women to realise and reach their utmost potential through various local, regional and international projects and initiatives. From the very start, Shaikha Fatima has been a strong asset to empowering women in the UAE when she established the General Women’s Union in 1975 to work towards preserving and promoting the rights of women in all areas including work, education, health care, social security, ownership and equality in rights and duties with men. Not to forget to mention one of the most prominent and recent examples, the launching of The National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women by her highness this year, which leads to the year 2021.
“This day brings pride to the nation, where it celebrates the achievements and accomplishments of a very significant part of the community. It is of great importance for a nation to be reminded of the accomplishments and hard work and struggles that its women has achieved and faced to attain better conditions and strive after furthering its progress. It enables women to become role models and leaders to the upcoming generations, and spreads a sense of pride and honour amongst all Emirati women, whether they be mothers, housewives or working women.”
Name: Dr Nawal Al-Hosany
Designation: Director of Sustainability at Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company.
Background: Dr Al-Hosany is also Director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, a pre-eminent award that recognises and rewards innovators in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability.
“I’m proud to be part of a nation that recognises the pivotal role women are playing to deliver the country’s vision for the future. Establishing the Emirati Women’s Day is yet another example of the UAE leadership’s emphasis on women empowerment. Since the founding of our nation, our leaders have wisely supported the advancement of women. As a result, Emirati women today are well-represented and making major contributions in a range of sectors that are promoting innovation and helping build a knowledge-based economy. At Masdar, we are committed to translating this vision of enabling women by providing them with opportunities, education, and the necessary skill sets in renewable energy and clean technology.”
Designation: Administrator in the Abu Dhabi police
“Shielding Emirati citizens and the wider nation from any potential risks that may pose a threat to their security is such an achievement on its own. As an Emirati woman, I take pride in the fact that I work for the police sector as it is one that ensures building a safer UAE every day. The decision of having a day devoted to commemorating Emirati women has further instilled a sense of patriotic fervour in me. Thanks to our great leaders who continue to exert efforts geared towards ensuring that credit is given when it’s due and that women’s efforts in the UAE will never go unnoticed.”
— With inputs by Janice Ponce de Leon, Staff Reporter and Maisoon Mubarak, trainee ay Gulf News
