Setting a towering example for thousands

March not only marks the beginning of spring. It is a month in which women celebrate two major occasions — International Women's Day on March 8 and Mother's Day on March 21.

International Women's Day is an occasion for recognising women's achievements and sacrifices throughout history regardless of national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political divisions.

It is also an occasion for looking back at past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.

The 100th anniversary of Women's Day was celebrated around the world with much interest and commitment to women's rights under the theme ‘Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all'.

The second occasion is Mother's Day which is dedicated to recognising the great sacrifices of mothers and their great role in the society's welfare and in the service of the entire humanity.

Throughout history, there are many examples of women with great achievements and mothers with dear sacrifices who left great imprint on history such as Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and Aisha Bint Abu Bakr, one of the great women in Islam.

Among great women who have been recently honoured is Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE General Women's Union and Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation.

By honouring Shaikha Fatima with the Cultural and Scientific Achievement Award by the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, we pay tribute to the rich cultural and social contributions she has made to her nation and citizens as well as to women's welfare.

Dubbed the ‘Mother of the UAE', Shaikha Fatima is one of the great women who have left their imprint on their society through sincere work, dedication and commitment to their country and women's issues.

She has been a role model for thousands of women across the Arab world as she devotes her life to serve the issues of Arab women through her numerous initiatives, and hence she deserves this honour.

Women's Day and Mother's Day are great occasions to recall the memory about pioneering women in the social and voluntary work such as Rowdha Abdullah Al Mutawa, Ayesha Al Sayyar, Amina Bu Shehab, Shaikha Sana'a Bint Manei Bin Rashid and Shaikha Umm Maktoum and all mothers who shouldered the responsibility in the pre-federation era.

Emirati women played a great role in safeguarding the family before and after the creation of the federation.

Therefore, women should be given the right to play a vital role in the various walks of economic, social and political life. This is the least we could do in appreciation for the great role played by the pioneering Emirati women who worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices and rich contributions to the welfare and well-being of Emirati society.

This brings to memory Hessah Al Osaili, a renowned Emirati media figure who paved the way for women in the media despite social pressures and traditional restrictions.

On such a great occasion, we are required to pay tribute and express our profound gratitude to those women who took the initiative and lit a candle in the dark for future generations to follow suit.

Luckily, the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will pursue the march of women's empowerment in all walks of life.

This stems from their strong belief in the abilities of women to assume leadership roles and hold high-profile positions and be engaged in the decision-making process.

Certainly, the President and the Vice-President are among the most enthusiastic supporters of women in the region.

The appointment of women as ministers, Federal National Council (FNC) members, ambassadors and judges, provides concrete evidence of the political leadership's efforts to put women on the path to gain access and participation in public life and the building of their country's future.

Hence, honouring women for their merit is important for a society that respects itself and humanity.

Women's Day and Mother's Day give us a chance to express our loyalty and gratitude to Shaikha Fatima for leading the march of Emirati women towards the building of a strong, developed and prosperous society.

(Dr Mohammad Abdullah Al Mutawa is a professor of sociology)