ABU DHABI,
(WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has visited the General Women’s Union in Abu Dhabi.
He was briefed on the union’s ongoing efforts under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and ‘Mother of the Nation’, to support women in the UAE by empowering them to participate in the nation’s sustainable development.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed praised the achievements of the General Women’s Union since its founding in 1975, emphasising that gains made over the past 50 years are the result of the leadership’s ongoing support and Her Highness’ commitment to enhancing the role of women by unlocking their potential and investing in their capabilities. Through these initiatives, women have become active partners in development programmes and initiatives that contribute to the advancement of society and the nation across multiple spheres.
His Highness visited Al Jawhara Hall, which houses more than 800 medals, honorary degrees and certificates of appreciation awarded to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak by heads of state, government leaders and prominent figures from local, regional and international organisations, in recognition of Her Highness’ contribution to a broad range of women’s causes globally.
Sheikh Khaled praised the example of unrelenting dedication set by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak to supporting the efforts and achievements of women across society, politics, culture and the economy.
He highlighted that the hall represents the achievements of the ‘Mother of the Nation’ and her outstanding role in empowering Emirati women to contribute to the process of nation-building and development. Thanks to Her Highness’ support, Emirati women have become active role models and a source of inspiration to achieve excellence and secure senior roles in regional and international spheres.
During the visit, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed praised the programmes implemented by the General Women’s Union over the past five decades during a journey that started with the union’s inception in 1975 and covers five phases: foundational, advancement, capacity building, empowerment and leadership phases. These have led to multiple projects and initiatives, which, on the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, and carried forward by the leadership, have empowered generations of women.
Sheikh Khaled was also briefed on initiatives, governance systems, strategies and policies launched and implemented by the General Women’s Union to empower women. This includes the National Policy for the Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031, which aims to drive the wholescale participation of women and further enhance their quality of life to ensure they play a prominent role in all fields.
His Highness was also briefed on the ‘System for monitoring achievements of Emirati women’, which aims to anticipate the future needs of Emirati women by measuring international competitiveness indicators, preparing policies and studies, and launching projects and initiatives collaboratively through federal and local authorities, civil society organisations and the private sector.
His Highness’s tour of the General Women’s Union also included a visit to the permanent exhibition and Samha shops, which reflect the unions’ commitment to preserving UAE heritage, culture and national identity.
Commenting on the occasion, Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, said, “The General Women’s Union continues to support, develop and keep pace with the best international practices to further empower and advance the role of women. This is being achieved by developing policies and strategies that provide an incubating environment for Emirati women’s skills and capabilities to help them contribute to economic, societal, cultural and human development. This would not have been achieved without the support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation’, and her ongoing directives to develop innovative initiatives that contribute to the advancement of women.”
During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed was accompanied by Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the General Women’s Union; and Eng. Ghalia Ali Al Mannai, Head of the Strategic and Development Affairs Committee at the General Women’s Union.
