New book celebrates Emirati women

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New book celebrates Emirati women

Dubai - The book, titled "Emaratiyah . UAE's Inspiring Women," featured women who contributed to the development of the UAE and prospered in a wide range of domains including economic, cultural, scientific, entertainment and social fields.

By Sherouk Zakaria

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Published: Sun 28 Aug 2016, 8:00 PM

Last updated: Sun 28 Aug 2016, 10:42 PM

In line with the Emirati Women's Day, the Federal Competitiveness & Statistics Authority (FCSA) released a book on Sunday chronicling inspiring stories of 24 Emirati female achievers.
The book, titled "Emaratiyah . UAE's Inspiring Women," featured women who contributed to the development of the UAE and prospered in a wide range of domains including economic, cultural, scientific, entertainment and social fields.
Hosting the book launch was Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of FCSA, who said that Emirati women's journey towards success was inked by the principles laid by the country's leadership.
"The UAE has always been a pioneer in giving women their full rights and the status they deserve in the society."
She added: "The government looked at women as a key partner whose role is vital in achieving progress and building the country's future."
The 24 women were selected among a list of 100 women whose names were presented to an independent advisory committee. Judges voted for top candidates after an extensive review process of every woman's profile.
"The overarching criteria was professional achievements, and the extent to which they contributed to the country and made a difference with accomplishments in par with advanced nations," said Mark Beer, CEO of Dispute Resolution Authority and a judge in the committee.
Abdulla Lootah, director-general of the FCSA, said that the book aimed to celebrate women whose active participation have been integral in building future generations and contributing to make the country among the best in the world by 2021.
He said: "Women's current and future role in developing our institutions cannot be underrated. In the FCSA, her role is equal to that of a man. She led projects and initiatives that helped us move forward."
Lootah noted that barriers for women have now been broken. "Now you hear young girls dreaming of not only becoming doctors, lawyers or engineers, but also ambassadors and ministers. Luckily, women now have the opportunity to discover themselves."
Winner Fatima Al Sayegh, professor of history at UAE University, said the celebration is of what Emirati women have been achieving even before the UAE Union.
"As a historian, I look at the Emirati woman as the one who made the generation that led to the Union in 1971.
"About 45 years ago, 99 per cent of women couldn't read or write, and now look at where they have reached. In other countries, it takes centuries and we still find high number of illiteracy, but with efforts of our leadership and the Emirati woman herself, her role has rapidly evolved in a short period of time," said Al Sayegh.
Another winner Habiba Al Marashi, chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), said although it is wonderful to be honoured, the responsibility only gets harder.
"The real champions are our mothers and grandmothers who paved the way for us to achieve and I hope that we inspire our daughters to reach new heights."
 The 24 women celebrated
Dr Mariam Matar, physician; Dr Shaikha Ali Salem Al Maskari, businesswoman and philanthropist; Dr Fatima Al Sayegh, Historian and Professor; Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, sustainability expert; Nujoom Alghanem, Poet and Film Director; Shaima Al Zarooni, chief executive and humanitarian; Eida Al Muhairbi, Inventor; Najla Al Midfa, social entrepreneur; Dr Houriya Kazim, surgeon; Sheikha Mohammed Humaid Al Wali, cultural activist; Dr Manal Omran Taryam, ophthalmologist; Salha Obaid Gabesh, poet; Amna Almuhairy, human rights advocate; Thuraya Al Zaabi, paralympian; Sameera Ahmed, actress; Habiba Al Marashi, environmentalist; Ruba Al Hassan, social development expert and entrepreneur; Sheikha Yahya Al Maskari, innovator; Souad Al Hosani, entrepreuner; Sumayyah Al Suwaidi, digital artist; Reem Al Marzouqi, inventor; Tala Badri, musician and educator; Dr Mona Al Bahar, social worker and educator; Zahra Lari, figure skater.
Emirati women achievements in numbers:
There are eight ministers in current UAE cabinet. Making up 27.5 per cent of ministerial roles.
Emirati women are currently leading the Federal National Council with nine seats on the council, making its 22.5 per cent of women representation one of the highest in parliamentary bodies in the region.
There are over 23,000 registered businesswomen in the UAE running investment worth Dh42 billion.
Women make up 66 per cent of the public sector workers, with 30 per cent in leadership roles and 15 per cent in technical and academic roles. Also, 44 per cent of leadership roles in Federal entities are taken by women. 
UAE Women make up 65 per cent of total higher education graduates, and they have been active participants in previously male-denominated roles such as judiciary, aviation, military and defense and law enforcement.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com


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