Women have started carving out their own identity in society as young innerpreneurs, entrepreneurs, designers, sports-persons, explorers and experts in other fields of endeavor. In addition, they are shouldering the duty of housewives in a manner that would have been impossible a few decades ago.
Today we celebrate the 102 International Women’s Day. In 1911 – the year this day was first celebrated internationally, back then when women could not yet vote in most countries. Today, a number of women serve as presidents and in other positions of power. Let us recognize and respect the role of women in society
Because I am an Emirati I will talk about women in my country. We as Emirati women believe that we are lucky to enjoy many privileges, which have empowered us to participate in the development of the society. I believe that the success of women in the UAE has become possible for several reasons, driven by Islamic legal system, which guarantees their financial independence.
“The wife of Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) set the first model for a businesswoman who took the initiative and asked the Prophet himself to trade for her,”
Islam has significantly empowered Arab Women with the start of real equality between the sexes to inherit and the total freedom of their wealth. In addition to that we had a leader who believed and empowered women to the max.
The late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan said, “Nothing could delight me more than to see the woman taking up her distinctive position in society. Nothing should hinder her progress … Like men, women deserve the right to occupy high positions according to their capabilities and qualifications.”
He has vision of a modern society based on Arab and Islamic traditions, his wife Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has worked tirelessly to promote the role of women since the creation of the Federation, as she founded the first women’s society in the country, the Abu Dhabi Women’s Society, on the 8th of February 1973. It was a priority in the early days of the UAE to promote education amongst women. Now that this goal has been met, the Federation focuses on comprehensive social planning, including the role of women in the workplace. Besides the traditional fields of education and health, there are many women graduates working in various disciplines such as engineering, science, media and communications, computer technology, law, commerce, and the oil industry.
So, how can we Emirati women not be lucky, to be an Emirati who is led by such amazing leaders who empowered us from the start. The women of the UAE are actively involved in their country’s development. And I am proud to be one of them!
Sheikh Mohammed said, “Arab women are half our community. Sometimes better than men. Perhaps in the past we lagged behind, but today she is growing to better heights in our society and is able to achieve goals within our communities. She will only grow.”
Above all of this, I would like to stress on one point. We women should support one another and should help and empower each other. We shouldn’t be threatened by each other.
Happy International Women’s Day #IWDinUAE …..
Pearlie DuBose & Associates
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