The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in cooperation with the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government held the National Culture Forum entitled: “Women’s Rights and Duties under the Union” with participation from the Emirates Association for Lawyers and “Watani Al Emarat” Foundation to mark the 42nd  National Day of the United Arab Emirates.

 

His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs said: “This event highlights the importance of women empowerment in all fields in the UAE. Thanks to our wise leadership, women can now make their way to top level positions and be a part of the decision making process to achieve comprehensive sustainable development in the UAE.

 

He also added that the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs is keen to increase political awareness among women as well as members of society.

In attendance were several top leaders including an Expert at the Secretariat of the Council of Arab Economic Unity in the League of Arab States, Dr Sheikha Hind Bint Abdul Aziz Al Qasimi who moderated the sessions.  Sheikha Hind hailed the involvement of an Emirati woman in every sphere: economic, political and social.

 

Other top figures in attendance were the Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, Dr Saeed Al Ghafli, the chairman of the Emirates Association for Lawyers, Zayed Al Shamsi, the director of research at IACA, Dr Saif Al Jabri and a social consultant at “Watani Al Emarat” Foundation, Dr Amal Belhoul.

 

His Excellency Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities commended the efforts of the UAE government over 42 years i.e. since the union. “We hope that this forum will reinforce the culture of community participation and sustainable development, which is a responsibility we all share”, He added.

 

Dr. Ali Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President, the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government said: “Women have a significant role to play in community development and is a key player in this process. We, at MBRSG, believe in the importance of the role the UAE women play since the union to date. We are pleased to shed light on the support our leadership extends to women so they may contribute to the future of the UAE”.