Emirati women role models for the region

Sharjah - Sharjah Ramadan Majlis organised by the Sharjah Media Centre on Sunday at Al Majaz Amphitheatre

Shaikha Salama bint Buti, mother of Shaikh Zayed, and Shaikha Hessa bint Al Murr, grandmother of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, are models for Emirati women's participation in social and political aspects said speakers at the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis organised by the Sharjah Media Centre on Sunday at Al Majaz Amphitheatre in Sharjah.
The high profile speakers agreed that Emirati women have historically played a crucial role in all walks of life and are role models for the rest of the Arab world as they complement men while remaining fiercely loyal to their identity, faith and Arab and Islamic values, thanks to the invaluable support provided by the country's leadership, especially the UAE's founder the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan.
Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs paid rich tributes to the late Shaikh Zayed, saying it was his vision and leadership that provided the blueprint for women's empowerment in the country by making it a key part of the young country's constitution. The first president formed the Women's Union in the UAE, helping women attain their full potential in all spheres. She also lauded the patronage and support provided by Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak on this front, saying women understand women better. "There would be no women's empowerment without the critical support provided by the political leadership," the minister emphasised.
Khawla Al Mulla, Chairperson of Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC), argued that empowerment of women did not come out of nothing and was based on the clear vision provided by the UAE's constitution and the conscious decision of the political leadership. She lauded the leadership of the UAE and Sharjah for giving women their due.
She praised His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for amending the SCC charter to appoint four women to the council. She also thanked him for appointing her as the first woman chairperson of the SCC, insisting her position is not a mere token for the world. She praised Shaikha Fatima and Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of Dr Shaikh Sultan for their constant efforts for women's empowerment.
Pointing out that men and women complement each other, she said while in the past women took care of their children and home, the union came to refine their personality and empower them with its various institutions.
Dr Mona Al Bahar, acting CEO of Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, said women's empowerment in the UAE is the result of a long process. "When I look at my mother and grandmother and then at myself sitting here, I realise I am sitting here because of them."
Pointing out that Emirati women have historically supported their men, she said: "When men went diving and fishing, women used to take care of their homes." Dr Al Bahar paid rich tributes to Shaikh Zayed, saying it was his foresight and vision that has played a key role in women's empowerment today.
"We are not a new country. We are very old as a people and nation going back thousands of years," she added saying the UAE as a civilisation evolved between the Delmon in Bahrain and Majan in Oman, long before the country came into being. Even Sindbad stories were based on the people of the UAE, she added.
Aisha Sultan (moderator) founder and director of Dar Waraq Publishing House, Dubai, said UAE women today provide leadership to both men and women. Hailing women's progress in the UAE, she said women's leadership is the sub-title of leadership in the UAE. She lauded the UAE leadership, saying without their support and broad outlook, women's empowerment in the country wouldn't have been possible.
The first session of Ramadan Majlis hosted saw the presence of senior UAE and Sharjah government figures, scholars, media and dignitaries, including Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Ramadan 2021