“The theme of this year’s Emirati Women’s Day ‘Woman, Icon of Tolerance,’ matches the excellent qualities of Emirati women, characterised by their patience, acceptance, love, and ability to instil the values of tolerance, loyalty, and openness in their children and society. The choice made by HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (Mother of the Nation), of this year’s theme, demonstrates her view that Emirati mothers and women remain committed to the ethics and values of their parents and grandparents. This theme follows in the footsteps of our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to build societies that uphold the values of intercultural dialogue and lay the foundations for improving tolerance locally, regionally and globally,” said Khawla Al Mehairi, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Government Communications at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
“Since declaring Emirati Women’s Day, every 28 August has become an important day to mark the achievements and successes of Emirati women, in light of the commitment of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to promote the status of Emirati women in all areas,” added Al Mehairi.
Thanks to the vision of our wise leadership, Emirati women have accomplished much more in a shorter period, compared to what their counterparts in other parts of the world took decades to achieve. The UAE has become a leader in women empowerment, becoming the first Arab country to introduce the compulsory appointment of female members on the boards of directors in companies and government organisations, and providing equal opportunities for women to participate in various fields of work in the public and private sectors. DEWA is committed to building on the achievements made by Emirati women as key partners in the sustainable development process, to become significant contributors to DEWA’s prestigious global position,” concluded Al Mehairi.