Success of Emirati women changes stereotype of Arabs globally: Manal bint Mohammed

Emirati women have - over recent decades - left signature hallmarks through their significant contributions to the nation’s development, affirmed Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and President of the UAE Gender Balance Council.

"These contributions qualified them to earn appreciation from the top levels," Sheikha Manal said in an article on women's achievements and their influential role in the future.

She noted that celebration and recognition of women's successes prompted Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, to declare August 28 as a national celebration of Emirati Women's Day, to mark the establishment of the General Women's Union, which began operating in 1975.

The creation of the GWU was a great leap towards the empowerment of women and upholding their status in the community.

The theme of this year's celebration, 'Women and Innovation', she added, recognises the significant progress made by Emirati women, who proved to the world their merit to lead in areas of innovation and excellence.

"On this glorious occasion, I extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to Sheikha Fatima for her relentless efforts to build the capacities of women to reach the highest places of innovation and excellence in support of the blessing drive initiated by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, who advanced the role of women in the community and in the nation’s development, which is today being pushed forward by the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan," said sheikha Manal, who is also President of Dubai Women Establishment.

"The National Innovation Strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which aims to make the UAE among the most innovative nations in the world within seven years, provided women with a golden opportunity to make their presence felt strongly in areas of innovation and creativity in various sectors, in which women have proven their successes and gained the confidence of the country's leadership and local community in shouldering national responsibilities," Sheikha Manal further noted.

By taking up leadership roles, for instance, as speaker of the Federal National Council, holding important ministerial portfolios, such as Minister of State for Happiness - the first of its kind among the governments of the world - and president of the Emirates Scientists' Council, Sheikh Manal said Emirati women provided a positive contribution to efforts aimed at changing the stereotyped image of Arab women before the world.

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