Education is the key to empowering women

Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Honorary Chairperson of Sharjah Businesswomen Council (SBWC), stressed that efforts made by International organisations, notably the UN, contribute significantly to supporting and empowering women throughout the world, especially countries that were late in granting women their full rights.

Sheikha Jawaher said, "Education and knowledge are key to empowering and supporting women worldwide, and the international community should put women's empowerment among its top priorities, in order to help women reach their potential and contribute to social and economic development. There is a need to ensure women's right to pursue education on an equal footing with her male counterpart."

She pointed out that the Emirati woman plays a crucial role in developing society through participation in various social, economic and professional fields, making her an essential part of the growth process.

She said, "The Emirati woman has made remarkable achievements, thanks to the forward- thinking approach embraced by the UAE state and its leaders in supporting and empowering women. An approach which is derived from the true Islamic Sharia teachings that give women their right to education, work and a full life."

The statement was made during her meeting with Ms. Lakshmi Puri, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, at Al Badea Palace in Sharjah, on Thursday evening. The meeting came after Sheikha Jawaher's meeting with Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of UN Women at the UN headquarters in New York last year.

The meeting was attended by Ameera BinKaram, Chairperson of Sharjah Business Women Council, Noura Al Noman, Director General of Her Highness' Executive Office (HHEO) and number of delegates from Sharjah Business Women's Council.

Sheikha Jawaher welcomed Ms. Lakshmi Puri and extended her thanks and appreciation to her and the UN Women team for their efforts and unlimited support in empowering women at local, regional and international levels.

Sheikha Jawaher and Ms. Lakshmi Puri discussed how to advance the social and economic roles of women and they reviewed the key points and topics discussed during last year's meeting at the UN Women in New York, as well as how to continue to support women in the Arab region and wider world.

Sheikha Jawaher said, "The most important role of women in UAE society and other communities is to develop a conscious generation through their efforts in educating and teaching their children and to build capacities and skills that correspond to the vision of the UAE, which aspires to be a leader on the Arab and international level. We constantly encourage women by providing them with all they need in professional development, because we strongly believe that women can contribute significantly to the development of society."

Ms. Lakshmi Puri thanked Sheikha Jawaher for her support in empowering women and encouraging them to develop their families and community at all levels. She said women are an inseparable part of society, and therefore they should have the right to education, health, employment, and other walks of life. She added that these rights will help women in their social, economic, cultural and managerial roles, which are fundamental to development in different countries around the world.

During the meeting, Sheikha Jawaher explained the role of the Sharjah Business Women's Council (SBWC) in supporting and empowering women in Sharjah and the UAE. The meeting also touched on the recent visit by the delegation of the SBWC and the Executive Office of Sheikha Jawaher to the Italian Academy in Florence - one of the most prestigious institutes for art, interior design, fashion, accessories and photography.

The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation with the Italian Academy in supporting Emirati women and qualifying them to enter the world of business, with a focus on the fashion industry. SBWC has programs such as the Irthi program to endorse women's talents in traditional crafts.

The UN Women is dedicated to supporting policies adopted by UN agencies in regard to gender equality, women in leadership roles and economic empowerment of women, the elimination all forms of discrimination and violence against women and women's rights in general.

Last year, the UN Women launched 'HeForShe' campaign, aimed at ensuring greater participation of men in promoting women's rights and gender equality. 'HeForShe' is a global solidarity movement that aims to end gender inequality by 2030, enabling women to enjoy their rights without discrimination in all walks of life. It also aims to protect women against violence.
Source: WAM