In the UAE, gender equity is a reality, not a dream

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

Emirati women have played a predominant role in the United Arab Emirates as encouraged by the leadership and as inspired by the nation’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

This Aug. 28 (Saturday) 2021 is the seventh year the country is celebrating their character and their contribution. It was in 2015 and on the 40th anniversary of the General Women’s Union, the national mechanism for women empowerment and leadership, that the special occasion of the Emirati Women’s Day was initiated by Her Highness 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.

This year’s theme is “Ambitions and Inspirations in the Next 50 Years” as the United Arab Emirates commemorates as well its Golden Jubilee on Dec. 2, 2021. Emirati women speak.

G42 Healthcare Omics Centre of Excellence and Biobank Research and Development vice president Dr. Ayesha Mohamed: “I know that every Emirati woman is proud to be born in this time where she can actively contribute to the unprecedented evolution our country is embarking on. Fifty years have passed so quickly and Emirati women’s impact on our country’s development is remarkable which is only possible thanks to the support of the leadership. I feel privileged to be a part of the breakthrough national initiatives, Emirati Genome, which is uniquely positioned to revolutionise healthcare in the UAE and beyond using state-of-the-art AI technology. As an Emirati woman and a scientist, I am ambitious, determined and inspired to carry on with my passion for my country and work. I hope to inspire young Emiratis especially women.”

Badiri Education and Development Academy manager Dr. Mona Al Ali: “It is a very exciting time for Emirati women in the UAE as they continue to lead the nation into the future in their roles across sectors. Complete gender equity is a reality, not a dream in the UAE and is a reflection of the leadership’s systematic and strategic support in empowering women. So here at Badiri, our ambition and inspiration for the next 50 years is to continue advancing women in various fields with like-minded partners in the UAE Government.”

Far Eastern Private School (Sharjah) assistant managing director Nawal Al Ansari: “As a female entrepreneur, daughter and mother, long-term ambitions can be effectively achieved by surrounding oneself with aspirational individuals who spark growth in all aspects of life – family, career and health.”

GE International Markets Strategy & Operations Global chief/GE UAE president Dr. Dalya Al Muthanna: “The theme of this year’s Emirati Women’s Day emphasises the role women will continue to play in the progress, growth and prosperity of the UAE. It inspires all generations of Emirati women to contribute to the work of nation-building – now and the future – to assume leadership positions. The UAE continues its steadfast efforts to empower women at various levels, enrich their knowledge and qualifications, and promote gender equality.”

Higher Colleges of Technology-Women’s Campus (Sharjah) IT Security and Forensics student Alya Budakhan: “As an IT Security and Forensics major, my goal is to develop myself and prosper in my field to contribute to the future and progress of my homeland. As a local, I am proud of what the UAE has achieved in the past 50 years; knowing its humble beginnings. But with the kindness and blessings of God, our leaders have been able to navigate its growth in a short period. My vision is that in the next 50, we, as a country and as a people, continually become more creative, more innovative, more tolerant, and more generous. A role model of happiness and positivity all over the world.”

Sharjah Business Women’s Council (SWBC) acting manager Mariam Bin Al Shaikh: “SBWC is an embodiment of the unlimited ambitions of Emirati women and women in general. Our ambition and inspiration for the next 50 years is to take the success we have enjoyed in empowering women in the UAE on a global level, developing the skills of women wherever they are, and expanding their opportunities to fully integrate themselves in the economy.”

UNHCR Solidarity Circle member Zel Ali always believes that “equality and education for all is the quintessential key that we can learn from the past, we can develop in the present and we can envision and empower in the future. Connecting powerful minds, influential personalities and beautiful souls is the core of every empowering woman all over the world.”

Emirates Green Building Council co-founder & treasurer Habiba Al Mar’ashi: “The Emirati Women’s Day signifies the nation’s commitment to empowering women and enabling them to push their boundaries. I have always believed that an Emirati woman stands for ambition and over the past years, we have witnessed how our women have led them from the forefront in every sector – from space exploration to environment management. This has been possible because our leadership believes in the significant role that women play in nation-building. At Emirates Environmental Group and the Emirates Green Building Council, we have women driving discussions and actions on positive climate action and in working towards the green vision of our nation. In the next 50 years, women will play an even more defining role and make compelling contributions to support the UAE Centennial 2071 goals.”

First Female Emirati hotel general manager/Arabian Young Leader/Emirates Woman Achiever awardee Sharihan Al Mashary: “In the next 50 years, we will see Emirati women leading and pioneering the economic growth through tourism and hospitality (on Earth and beyond), and will lead in the footsteps of our great nation’s Founding Father and our visionary Rulers.”

Engie Solutions (managing Dubai Tram) Quality executive Zeinab Ali: “Emirati women of today are the leaders and change-makers of society. We are continuing to reach new heights of leadership across the nation and this is being further driven due to the ongoing support from our government. I am grateful to belong to a country that prioritises women empowerment and growth. Together, we are one step closer to reaching our ambitions and aspirations for a brighter and prosperous future.”

Medcare Hospital chief operations officer/Family Medicine consultant Dr. Shamsa Bin Hammad: “The year 2021 is an exceptional year for the UAE because Emirati women are an integral part of the development and process. Our wise leadership has secured and empowered Emirati women since the era of our father, the builder of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God have mercy on him). Women’s participation in the construction and development process proves that we are able to work and achieve leadership for the UAE in all global indicators.”