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Women Are Partners in UAE’s Development Process

DUBAI/SHARJAH - Highly placed Emirati women praised the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, on the 38th National Day.

Dr Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Marriage Fund, praised the unlimited support of the UAE rulers who consider women as partners in the development process

Dr Maitha said UAE women had many achievements due to the unlimited support of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the UAE Rulers, and Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and Chairperson of the General Women’s Union.

She said, “In the late sixties Shaikh Zayed and Shaikha Fatima visited all rural areas and villages to convince people on the importance of women’s education.”

Dr Maitha said the UAE leaders of the various emirates have made unlimited efforts to educate women.

“Women should try to develop their capabilities and they should not depend on science and theories alone but also follow their instincts to achieve success,” she added.

Firyal Twakul, executive director for Community Affairs at Dubai Customs said, “We should be proud of UAE women’s achievements. The UAE women are working in all fields due to the encouragement of the UAE leaders.”

Dubai Customs is the first government department which attempted to support women to enable them to do their work properly. It was the first department to establish a child care centre in a government department in April.

She said, “UAE women are living in golden era. The majority of women in senior positions are young women who were given chances,” she said, “I was appointed in 1994 and there were only three women in Dubai Customs then. Now we are 25 per cent of the staff.”

Afra Albasti, director, Women’s Foundation said, “Due to government support women achieved success during the eighties after we graudated women were forced to work as teachers in schools but now they have the opportunity to work in all positions.”

Fatima Al Merri, Federal National Council member said, “UAE women have never been left out of the development plans. Since the establishment of the Federation, UAE women have managed to impress the world.”

Hissa Al Midfaa, Sharjah consultative committee member, said, “UAE spares no effort in guaranteeing elements of a happy and stable family.”

Fatima Al Matroushi, head of Women’s Association, Ajman said, “Shaikh Zayed Al Nahyan the founder of the UAE, followed by the President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan granted Emirati woman full rights to accomplish great achievements in education, healthcare and in decision making.”

Farida Ibrahim, head of Research Center at Dubai Women’s Association said, “The government of UAE has great concern for women and family issues and contributes effectively in 
all areas. The government granted women rights and freedom to participate actively in the decision making process at the highest level where they occupy 22 per cent of seats in the 
Federal National Council and the new cabinet includes women ministers.”

Aisah Kajor, an Ajman Government official said, “For women in the UAE, National Day is a very special day, as women through the last 38 years 
have made efforts for the advancement of the nation. The UAE Cabinet has approved for the first time, for the appointment of two Emirati women ambassadors.”

Hisa Al Midfa, Sharjah consultative committee Member, said, “The Rulers have done their bit to ensure sustainable development and provide high quality of living for all UAE nationals, especially the women.”

Fatima Al Sari, head of the Media Department at Dubai Women’s Association (DWA), lauded the achievements women had made during the last decade. “The belief that women are entitled to take their place in society is grounded in the UAE constitution which states that the principles of social justice should apply to all,” she said.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.ae

amira@ khaleejtimes.ae

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