Emirati women 'do not wait for opportunities, 'they make them'
- 08 Mar 2025
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Reem BinKaram, Director General of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, affirms that International Women's Day is a powerful platform to celebrate the creativity and excellence that have defined women’s contributions throughout history, particularly in traditional and contemporary crafts. She stated: “Through the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of Irthi, we have made advancements in women’s social and economic empowerment, fostering innovation and redefining heritage for the modern world. Her vision has elevated local craftsmanship onto the global stage, enriching the cultural and creative landscape one stitch at a time.”
“Emirati women have been fundamental in shaping the UAE’s cultural identity, preserving national values through generations of artistry and craftsmanship. Female artisans across cultures create works that embody their identities, narrate their stories, and seamlessly connect the past with the present, uniting the world through artistry,” she added.
Eman Bushlaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL), avers, "On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of women across all fields, particularly in providing, managing, and promoting knowledge and learning. We recognise their vital role in community building and advancing national and global development goals. We believe that knowledge is the foundation of positive change, and empowering women begins with safeguarding their fundamental rights, especially the right to education and access to knowledge resources, which open doors to creativity and leadership.
"Books are a gateway to innovation, creativity, and excellence, and libraries serve as nurturing spaces that provide the tools needed to achieve their aspirations."
Sheikha Hind Bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Business Women Council, says, "On International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only the achievements of women but also their unwavering determination to reshape the global economy. Women’s empowerment is no longer a commitment; it is a tangible reality reflecting a growing recognition of their crucial role in economic development. Today, they hold influential positions on boards of directors, contribute to shaping economic policies, and innovate solutions that redefine the investment landscape.
"In the UAE, women are not just participants but at the forefront of entrepreneurship, creating a significant impact across key sectors. Emirati women are not waiting for opportunities; they are making them, driving economic progress with innovation and bold ventures that transcend traditional boundaries. These accomplishments are not just statistics but a testament to a leadership vision that nurtures ambition and embraces the impossible."
Khawla Al Mujaini, Director of Events and Marketing, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), remarks, "International Women’s Day is an opportunity to highlight women's vital contributions to the book industry and strengthen their role as content creators, publishers, and visionaries. It is also a moment to reflect on the remarkable achievements of women in publishing and the literary sector. At the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), we firmly believe that empowering women culturally and intellectually is an investment in the future of societies and nations. We take great pride in being part of Sharjah’s vision, recognising books as a cornerstone of progress and development.
"Under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, who has set a globally inspiring example of female leadership in publishing, we remain committed to supporting and empowering women in the industry to take leadership roles across various fields while strengthening their presence as authors, publishers, thinkers, and innovators. This occasion serves as a call to action, to continue fostering an environment that ensures women play an active and enduring role in enriching the cultural landscape locally and globally."
Aisha Al Mulla, Director of Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), says, “On International Women’s Day, we honour women's achievements in fostering hope and driving positive change. They play a crucial role in healthcare and cancer control, whether as medical professionals, psychological support, or leaders of humanitarian initiatives, significantly impacting the lives of patients and their families. At FOCP, empowering women is key to enhancing quality of life and fostering sustainable development."
She added: “Today, women are leading awareness campaigns, championing early detection initiatives, and contributing to developing psychosocial support systems for cancer patients. In the UAE, they have demonstrated their role as essential partners in advancing healthcare... Building a supportive environment for women’s health is not a choice but a necessity, as they are the cornerstone of family and community well-being."
