August 25, 2019
“The woman is half of the society, any country which pursues development should not leave her in poverty or illiteracy. I am on the woman’s side; I always say this in order to uphold her right to work and participate in the building process of her country.” – Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Commemorating this noble vision of the UAE’s founding father, Shaikha 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, has declared that August 28 will be celebrated as the Emirati Women’s Day from this year onwards.
Souq Extra wishes all the phenomenal women of the UAE a very happy Emirati Women’s Day.
10 Inspirational Emirati Women Who Have Paved the Way Forward:
Widow of late HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who is fondly referred to as the ‘father of the nation’, Sheikha Fatima’s relentless efforts at creating a firmhold for women in Emirati society earns her the title of ‘mother of the nation’ despite her husband’s achievements.
Sheikha Fatima founded the concept of Emirati Women’s Day in 2015.
In 1973, Sheikha Fatima established the Abu Dhabi Women Development Association as the first women’s society in the country, followed by the General Women’s Union in 1975, Family Development Foundation in 2006 and Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in 2003. She also played a significant role in establishing the Arab Women Organisation, (Fund for Refugee Women) in collaboration with the UN High Commission for Refugees and a website to serve immigrant Arab women.
Overall her efforts have culminated in more than 500 awards, honouring her outstanding dedication, 30 of which were bestowed by the UN.
This year, she has initiated Emirati Children’s Day, as well as launching the UAE’s National Strategy for Motherhood and Childhood 2017-2021.
2) Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi
Sheikha Lubna is the first woman to hold a ministerial post in the United Arab Emirates, and the first Emirati to receive the Clinton Global Citizen Award.
With accolades including the title of ‘Forbes’ Most Powerful Woman in the Middle East’ (2015) to ‘The Most Powerful Arab Woman in Government’ (2017), UAE’s Minister for Tolerance is showing no signs of slowing down.
A passionate advocate for women’s rights, this superwoman is focusing on putting the UAE at the forefront in this area.
“Equality is an integral part of the national agenda.”
Daughter of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and mother of five, Sheikha Manal also holds the prestigious designation of president of the UAE’s Gender Balance Council and the Dubai Women Establishment.
In the last year alone, Sheikha Manal has helped establish a gender equality guidebook for UAE companies, as well as helping extend maternity leave for public sector workers.
“Acquiring leadership positions and playing an integral part in this process of evolution is no longer a matter of choice but a vital necessity. Every member of our society is required to contribute to making the world a better place.”
4) HE Ohood Al Roumi
“What is the purpose of government if it does not work toward the happiness of the people?”
While the title of Minister of Happiness might seem “fluffy” at first glance to those not in the know, Ohood Al Roumi will be quick to tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“It touches on medicine, health, social sciences. We’re trying to bring it from a broad framework into a daily practice in our society [and] in our government.”
Since taking up her role in 2016, Al Roumi has launched several initiatives around the country, including a 100-Day Happiness Plan, and a five-month positivity training programme for local CEOs.
“It’s time for the corporate world in our region to rewrite their gender playbooks so that they can tap fresh perspectives and ideas from women.”
HE Mona Al Marri holds the prestigious title of Vice-President of the UAE Gender Balance Council. She has revolutionized UAE maternity laws, implemented several gender equality guidebooks, and has represented the UAE at a UN panel in New York.
Al Gurg is the managing director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, a multidivisional conglomerate with interests in the fields of retail, building and construction.
A Dubai-based businesswoman, Al Gurg is one of the leading women when it comes to encouraging young, female Arab entrepreneurs to achieve their potential. As President of the Dubai Business Women’s Council and a Board Member of the Dubai Women Association (among many others), Al Gurg’s contribution to the improvement of women’s rights in the region is substantial.
Back in 2015, Forbes Middle East considered her to be the 2nd most powerful woman in the Middle East.
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi made history in 2015 by becoming the first woman in the Arab world to be elected as speaker of a national council.
In 2006 she became the first woman elected to the Federal National Council, and was quoted at the Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament saying that females were crucial in the quest for peace in the Middle East.
“When women in parliament are united, we can really move mountains, and you all know that,” she told the group. But when we are united as men and as women, we can really move the world, and this is what really makes a difference. We live in one of the most conflicted regions in the world. Hope is our secret. We should work together not alone, male and female, youth and all generations, and with all the different sectors, our scientists and thinkers.”
The twofour54 chairwoman, who was also named Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs in 2016, has made huge leaps in growing the nation’s media industry.
Al Kaabi, who came in 15th place in Gulf Business’ 2017 list of 100 Most Powerful Arabs, is also a board member of the UAE’s National Media Council, Image Nation, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
In 2014, she was named as one of Forbes Middle East’s 30 Most Influential Women in Government, and we recommend following her on Twitter (she frequently shares super-insightful articles).
9) Mariam Al Mansouri
As the UAE’s very first female fighter pilot, Mariam Al Mansouri has paved the way forward for female involvement in a very male-oriented occupation.
She became a role-model for ‘girl-power’ the world over when she obtained the title of Commander and lead air strikes against ISIS in 2014.
Mariam has since received many accolades including the Mohammed Bin Rashid Pride of the Emirates medal.
10) Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
A poster-girl for women’s sports in the UAE, this feisty royal has represented her country in many international tournaments for karate, taekwondo and polo competitions.
She is also the very first woman from the Gulf to have held a the national flag during the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Let’s start the conversation today.
Join us to be the first to hear about our exclusive offers and events.
