Emirati Women’s Day is also an occasion that inspires and motivates young Emirati girls to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
Emirati Women’s Day
Emirati Women’s Day is a national occasion that celebrates the achievements and contributions of Emirati women to the development and progress of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is observed every year on August 28, which marks the anniversary of the establishment of the General Women’s Union (GWU) in 1975. The GWU is the first and largest women’s organization in the UAE, and it aims to empower and support women in various fields and sectors.
The Founder of Emirati Women’s Day
The founder of Emirati Women’s Day is Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, also known as The Mother of the Nation. She is the wife of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first President of the UAE. She is also the President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and the Chairwoman of the GWU.
Sheikha Fatima is a visionary leader who has played a pivotal role in advancing women’s rights and opportunities in the UAE. She has initiated and supported various initiatives and policies that aim to enhance women’s education, health, employment, participation, and leadership. She has also advocated for women’s involvement in peace and security issues at the regional and international levels.
Sheikha Fatima launched Emirati Women’s Day in 2015 to honor and appreciate the efforts and achievements of Emirati women in different domains. She said: “This day highlights a set of objectives which aligns with the country’s global leadership in recognising and empowering women”.
The Theme of Emirati Women’s Day
Every year, Emirati Women’s Day has a theme that reflects the current priorities and aspirations of Emirati women. The theme for 2023 is “We Collaborate for Tomorrow”, which aligns with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability”. The theme underscores the UAE’s commitment to seeking innovative solutions to address challenges in the realms of energy, sustainability, and climate change.
The theme also highlights the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders, such as federal and local authorities, civil society, and the private sector, to enhance women’s achievements and empowerment. It also emphasizes the role of Emirati women as partners and leaders in shaping a sustainable future for themselves, their families, their communities, and their country.
The Celebration of Emirati Women’s Day
The celebration of Emirati Women’s Day involves various events, seminars, and activities that focus on women’s achievements and contributions. Different entities, such as government agencies, educational institutions, media outlets, cultural organizations, and social groups organize these events. Some examples of these events are:
- The GWU organizes an annual ceremony to honor distinguished Emirati women who have excelled in various fields and sectors.
- The Ministry of Culture and Youth organizes a cultural festival that showcases Emirati women’s talents and creativity in arts, literature, music, and heritage.
- The Ministry of Education organizes a competition for students to write essays and poems about Emirati women’s role models.
- The Dubai Women Establishment organizes a forum that brings together prominent Emirati women leaders to share their insights and experiences on sustainability issues.
- The Abu Dhabi Police organizes a sports day encouraging Emirati women to participate in physical activities and promote their health and wellness.
The Importance of Emirati Women’s Day
Emirati Women’s Day is an important occasion that recognizes and celebrates the role of Emirati women in various sectors, including business, government, education, healthcare, and culture. It also highlights the advancements made in women’s rights and opportunities within the country.
According to a 2022 report by the World Economic Forum, the UAE topped global gender equality rankings. This remarkable achievement follows UAE’s exceptional performance in key gender-related indicators, such as:
- Enrollment in Primary Education
- Enrollment in Secondary Education
- Enrollment in Tertiary Education
- Sex Ratio at Birth
- Women in Parliament
The nation also rose from the 72nd position to the 68th position among 156 countries in terms of closing the overall gender gap on the international stage.
Emirati Women’s Day is also an occasion that inspires and motivates young Emirati girls to pursue their dreams and ambitions. It showcases the stories and achievements of successful Emirati women who have overcome challenges and barriers to reach their goals. It also provides them with guidance and support from mentors and role models who can help them develop their skills and potential.
Emirati Women’s Day is a celebration of progress, empowerment, and collaboration. It is a celebration of the Emirati women who have made and continue to make a positive difference in their society and their country. It is a celebration of the UAE’s vision and values that foster a culture of gender balance and inclusion.
Also Read: Emirati Women’s Day: A Celebration of Achievements and Aspirations
