Family Development Foundation Celebrates Emirati Women’s Legacy with Flagship Seminar
The organisation concludes its month-long Emirati Women's Day programme with a seminar honouring the vision of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, and exploring the enduring principles that have shaped women's empowerment across the UAE.
The Family Development Foundation has concluded its extensive month-long celebration of Emirati Women’s Day with a significant seminar at its Abu Dhabi Centre, bringing together prominent voices to reflect on the transformative vision of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation and Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union.
Titled Following in the Footsteps of the Mother of the Nation, the seminar examined how H.H. Sheikha Fatima’s pioneering approach has empowered Emirati women whilst reinforcing their vital contributions to family life, societal development and national progress. The gathering united Dr Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, and Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, former minister, in substantive dialogue moderated by media professional Shaikha Al-Jabri.
Dr Al Shamsi traced the remarkable trajectory of Emirati women from the nation’s earliest days, emphasising how the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan recognised that national development demanded the talents and participation of both men and women. She highlighted how H.H. Sheikha Fatima cultivated an environment enabling women to pursue their aspirations whilst maintaining the family as society’s stabilising foundation. “Following the approach of H.H. Sheikha Fatima today means translating these values into renewed practice in education, work, building families and assuming responsibility towards society and the nation,” she observed.
Sheikha Lubna reflected on how Emirati women’s accomplishments across diverse sectors demonstrate the nation’s unwavering confidence in their capabilities and the leadership’s commitment to education, employment and meaningful participation. She stressed that sustained achievement emerges through accumulated experience and responsibility, encouraging women to embrace new challenges as opportunities for development. The Following in the Footsteps of the Mother of the Nation Charter, she noted, conveys a message of empowerment to every Emirati woman to trust her potential and continue advancing the UAE’s prosperity.
Maryam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director-General of the Family Development Foundation, delivered the keynote address, describing H.H. Sheikha Fatima’s methodology as having established an exceptional framework for women’s empowerment through investment in education, knowledge and expanded participation. She emphasised that such gatherings facilitate the intergenerational transfer of experience and strengthen younger Emirati women’s understanding of their duty to preserve achievements and build upon them.
Complementing the seminar, the Foundation organised an art exhibition celebrating Emirati women and their significant contributions to family, society and national development, reflecting the cultural richness of these celebrations.
Source: WAM