In the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, President of Zayed University, Zayed University marked the occasion of the Emirati Women’s Day at Zayed University in Dubai campus, celebrating the achievements of influential Emirati women and their contributions to the growth of the nation.  

The one-day event was attended by Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, Dr. Marilyn Roberts, Provost of Zayed Univerity, Dr. Abdel Mohsen Onsy, Associate Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Fatima AlDarmaki, Assistant Provost for Student Affairs, Shamsa Al Taie and Fathiya AlKamiri, Directors of Student Affairs, Aisha Harib, Zayed University graduate and member of the UAE Youth Council and graduate from the UAE National Service, a group of female members of the UAE Armed Forces, who climbed Mount Everest as well as Zayed University students, faculty, and staff.

Professor AlMehaideb inaugurated the event by thanking Her Highness Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation and Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, for her timely and far-sighted efforts and congratulating women on their day, which marks their achievements and contributions in building the society.

Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna gave a keynote speech, saying: “ I am pleased to celebrate the Emirati Women’s Day today with prominent Emirati women, whom their contributions and achievements highlighted many roles in the UAE.

Today, we celebrate endless efforts and achievements of an exemplary mother, who is a benevolent role model for all women, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation and Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. Today we gather to mark Her Highness Sheikha Fatima’s unstinting support for women’s empowerment and pay tribute to a prime example and symbol of infinite generosity,” Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna said.

“Coinciding with this significant occasion, I am delighted to launch “Mashghal Umna Fatima” initiative, which means “Sheikha Fatima’s Workshop” in English, to support Syrian refugees’ families, who are hosted by the Emirati Jordanian Camp. The initiative aims to empower women and support them through learning handcrafting, knitting and crocheting beautiful things,” Sheikha Lubna added.

Her Excellency Shaikha Lubna also pointed out that ‘

“Mashghal Umna Fatima” initiative is the fruit of a promising learning journey experienced by a group of 16 female students from Zayed University in the Murijep Al Fhoud Camp, which coincided with Zayed Humanitarian Work Day on the 19th day of previous Ramadan and held under the patronage of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs to respond to corporate social responsibility ethics and needs on both national and international levels.

“At first, the idea initiated when a workshop was conducted for around 300 students in the Murijeb Al Fhoud Camp; however, the project expanded with the support of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) and attracted around 800 children and many of the camp’s refugees,” she added.

Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna also said: “There is no doubt that “Mashghal Umna Fatima” initiative will reach its goals and rapid results by extending the hands of participation to finance the vocational training project, sewing machine operator, that will contain more than 120 sewing machines to help women and girls earn a sustainable living and cope with the difficult circumstances they are facing.”

At the end of the event, Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna awarded Mohammad Al Zarouni, Director of Emirates Red Crescent Dubai, Aisha Harib, and female members of the UAE Armed Forces, who climbed Mount Everest.

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