Sheikha Fatima’s values to be honoured at IWD

ABU DHABI / WAM

The Mother of the Nation Festival, taking place between March 22-31 and organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, is set to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), by paying tribute to the values and extensive contributions of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU),
President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).
This year marks a special edition of the festival, which is taking place during the Year of Zayed, dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was at the forefront of championing a more inclusive role for women in Emirati society.
Observed in UAE and around the world on March 8, International Women’s Day is an annual event that celebrates women’s achievements and calls for advancing gender equality across various sectors. Since its establishment 46 years ago, the UAE has made great strides in advancing women’s journey of development and empowerment in all community affairs. The late Sheikh Zayed’s vision was instrumental in achieving progress in this area and presenting women with opportunities to meet their ambitions.
The UAE’s founding father ordered the establishment of a women’s union in 1975. Since then, Sheikha Fatima was, and continues to be, a supporter of Emirati women, and has contributed to directing and improving their position in the local and global community. Marking International Women’s Day is part of the festival’s overall aim of celebrating and honouring the contributions of Emirati women to the development and success of the nation.

Given her role in empowering women and calling for their wide recognition, the festival aims to pay tribute to Sheikha Fatima who has established values and principles that support the advancement of women in society and highlight their regional and international stature and leadership. In recognition of their growing role in building the nation, she announced August 28 as Emirati Women’s Day to celebrate the importance of women and their pivotal role in the community back in 2015.
Celebrating Emirati women who have participated in the UAE’s progress as mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, the festival’s Mother of the Nation pavilion will highlight Emirati women’s historical achievements. One of the festival’s most popular pavilion in previous years, it is located at the heart of the festival and explores the impact that Emirati women have had on the country throughout history. The showcase traces the visionary thinking of Sheikha Fatima and how her initiatives helped shape the eminent position that UAE women enjoy in the society, economy and government today.
The pavilion will also present examples of Emirati women who exemplified ambition, dedication and commitment as they build their communities and nurture the new generation of citizens who uphold the values and meanings of loyalty to their country.