Fatima biography to be published soon

The first biography of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, wife of the President and Chairwoman of the UAE General Women's Union, will be published shortly, detailing, in particular, her spirit of generosity and her unstinting support towards women's issues.

The Arabic biography, called "The Benevolent Lady", will cover Sheikha Fatima's contribution to the development of women and social services and her generosity, her media advisor and the author of the book told Gulf News yesterday .

"Sheikha Fatima's Media Office aims to publish the book around the beginning of January to mark the completion of 35 years of the establishment of the first women's organisation, thereby celebrating the beginning of women being part of the work force," explained Abla Al Nowais, the author, who is also Sheikha Fatima's media consultant.

Divided into seven chapters, the first chapter will contain a brief introduction about Her Highness, her sons and her struggle alongside President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to build a modern country where women can contribute as much as men.

The second chapter will feature her generosity over more than 30 years, beginning with the establishment of the Women's Union.

"This will tell the tale of how the Women's Union was first established and its most important activities since its establishment," Abla added.

It will also feature other prominent women leaders who have been part of the journey, unforgettable incidents and memories, and their opinion about Her Highness and her role in supporting the issues of national women.

The third chapter deals with the most important divisions of the Women's Union and their role in supporting women's and social issues, such as education, health, marriage, divorce and other domestic and social matters like rehabilitation of elders.

The fourth chapter will focus on Her Highness's activities on a national level, which includes her contributions in meetings and conferences accompanied with documents.

The fifth chapter will highlight Her Highness's activities on the international arena, since her contribution in the Mexican conference in 1975 up to the Peking conference in 1995.

The sixth chapter is one of national and international acclaim for Her Highness's efforts, while the last chapter is a snapshot of her journey through life.

Elaborating on the importance of the biography, the author said: "It is time that the efforts and initiatives of Her Highness for a better society are highlighted, to serve as a model for others.

"She has exerted tireless efforts for the development of women in the country. Once confined to domestic life and raising children, the women in the country now play a greater role for the prosperity of the country.

"Women of the UAE now hold high posts in policy-making institutes, including high-ministerial posts. This is all mainly due to Her Highness' guidance. We strongly believe that Her Highness' contributions are unlimited, and she continues to dazzle us."