Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the Geaneral Women’s Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has expressed her pleasure at dedicating the 1st Emirati Women’s Day, observed on Aug. 28, to honour mothers of the martyrs and the women working in the armed forces.
In a speech made to mark the day, Sheikh Fatima praised the support given to the UAE women by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates..
Sheikha Fatima has underscored the cohesion between the leadership and citizens, citing the orders of the UAE President to make November 30 each year Martyr’s Day to remember the gallant sons of the UAE who have sacrificed their lives to elevate the nation’s flag among other nations.
She called on Emirati women to sustain their gains and harness available resources to advance their cause, urging them to take part in the next Federal National Council elections.
Sheikha Fatima also endorsed the logo for Emirati Women s Day which symbolises the unique identity of Emirati women and depicts the country’s flag with an illustration of a woman on one section.
Earlier this year, Aug. 28 was declared Emirati Women s Day. The date marks the anniversary of the creation of the GWU in 1975, and is considered a chance to celebrate Emirati women’s achievements since the group was founded.
The GWU has continued its mission, thanks to the unlimited support of Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.
PATRIOTIC EMIRATI WOMEN
Sheikha Fatima expressed her satisfaction with the response and enthusiasm of young Emirati women joining up for national service. She received female officers who gave a presentation on national service for women. “We have proudly been seeing young Emirati women thronging the recruitment centres to join up and express their loyalty to, and love for, their country, and their readiness to make sacrifices for the sake of their country and for protecting its sovereignty, achievements and gains.”
She added that Emirati women have proven beyond doubt their efficiency in any role assigned to them in service of the nation, including the Armed Forces, national service, police and security.
Sheikha Fatima recalled that the enlisting of Emirati women in the Armed Forces dates back to the era of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a legacy sustained by the incumbent President, Sheikh Khalifa, and Sheikh Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to build a formidable armed forces. She noted that, “We observed, on December 8 last year, the silver jubilee of the Khawla Bint Al Azwar Military School.”
She said that Emirati women have been enlisting in the Armed Forces in droves, despite the fact that they were not obliged by any law to do so. “It reflects the legendary epic of loyalty to the homeland and the leadership as well as willingness to take on national responsibility and partnership in the defence of national sovereignty, dignity and national gains.”
“We greet Emirati women for their deep allegiance and genuine belonging, selflessness, generosity and constant readiness to defend the nation and national gains.”
Sheikha Fatima noted the strong presence of Emirati women in all the units of the Armed Forces, including Air Force and Air Defence, and their ability to make it to the rank of brigadier.
She thanked all officials of National and Reserve Service Authority for their efforts and reiterated her support for them.
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