Abu Dhabi
Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women’s Union, has been awarded an honorary doctoral degree by Bradford University for her significant and pioneering role in supporting and empowering Emirati women.
The award was presented at a ceremony titled ‘Mother of the Nation Pride of our Home Country’, organised by Abu Dhabi Police in coordination with Emirates Women’s Police Association and General Women’s Union (GWU) in Abu Dhabi on Monday evening.
Shaikha Fatima is also the Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
Some of her initiatives include educating women and supporting families who are running small enterprises. She also launched a women empowerment programme with the Unifem (United Nations Development Fund for Women) in 2002 and 2015, an Arab Diaspora Women Network in 2008, and an enhancement programme for Arab Women Parliamentarians from 2006–2008, and played an instrumental role in declaring August 28 as Emirati Women’s Day to honour Emirati women and celebrate their achievements.
Shaikha Fatima also contributed in funding humanitarian and relief aid projects in various parts of the world.
Speaking to Gulf News on the sidelines of the event, Major-General Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police said: “Today’s ceremony celebrates the achievements of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak who is a prominent figure and icon not just in the UAE but across the world. She has played an outstanding role in empowering and supporting women and establishing a strong country in the past 45 years.”
Shirley Congdon, deputy vice-chancellor at Bradford University in the UK who was present at the ceremony said: “Her Highness has contributed tremendously in promoting gender parity and social change. Girls are going to schools and pursuing their post-graduate studies. Emirati women are represented in senior posts locally and internationally, across political, economic and social sectors. She is a true inspiration and an outstanding role model for girls and women around the world.”
Noora Khalifa Al Suwaidi, director general of the General Women’s Union received the honorary doctoral degree on behalf of Shaikha Fatima.
Ahlam Al Lamaki, head of research and development at the General Women’s Union also praised her exceptional work in leading and empowering Emirati women in becoming future leaders. She said that that she is a role model for Emirati women.
“Her constant support has empowered us, and proved that we are strong, confident and well-educated women,” Al Lamaki said.
— Asma Samir is an Abu Dhabi-based journalist.
