Women in the UAE have gone beyond mere empowerment to true participation, thanks to the substantial support and care lent by the wise leadership to make woman an effective partner in the community, Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development (MICAD) and President of Zayed University (ZU), has affirmed.
'Emirati women today move forward efficiently and effectively alongside men in the nation-building process to deliver the government strategy and its ambitious vision for a better future,' Sheikha Lubna said while addressing the second student forum for young Emirati women leaders at the ZU campus in Dubai yesterday.
Sheikha Lubna indicated that support for women since the establishment of the Union had opened many doors before them leading towards empowerment, thanks to the sound directives and leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of Emirates and His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The event was held under the theme, 'Empowerment of Women: Leaders without Borders,' as part of the UAE's 43rd National Day celebrations.
She said that Emirati women, encouraged by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and supported by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, had made unprecedented achievements, given the age of the young nation.
She added that women in the UAE today hold senior and leadership ranks, as evidenced by four ministers in the cabinet, the highest percentage in the Arab World; eight MPs in the 40-seat Federal National Council, the highest representation in the world; Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations; three women ambassadors; and a consul general.
Source: WAM