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ABU DHABI / WAM
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, GWU, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, on Tuesday received Queen Rania Abdullah of Jordan who is in the UAE to participate in the Global Women Forum Dubai which began on Tuesday.
Sheikha Fatima hosted a luncheon in honour of Queen Rania at the Qasr Al Bahar Palace. A number of sheikhas, female ministers and women leaders attended the banquet.
She thanked Queen Rania for attending the forum and praised her speech at the opening of the global gathering.
Sheikha Fatima said the forum, co-organised by the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society with partners Dubai Women Establishment, is an excellent platform for dialogue, expression of views and sharing experiences. The gathering, she said, addresses the highly important topic of supporting women and their contribution to society.
In her speech, Queen Rania said there is no better place than the United Arab Emirates to inspire participants to innovate, for like all innovations, the Emirate of Dubai started when Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, imagined an oasis of prosperity and development that competes on the international level in countless fields. He looked into the desert and he saw Dubai. She added that the forum reflects the great interest the UAE takes in women and noted that it brought together some 2000 leaders, decision-makers from the government and private sectors in the region and beyond.
She praised Sheikha Fatima’s support and empowerment of Emirati women.
“The UAE’s wise leadership succeeded in making huge gains in favour of women. Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Emirates, has played an essential role in encouraging women to be creative. He expectations were high and she has set no restrictions for women,” she said.
In her speech, Queen Rania spoke about the ‘moulds’ that restrict women and said: “We have to break the moulds that shape women and girls from the moment they are born. These moulds, which have been passed on through generations, restrict the development of a woman’s capability, talent and ambition. We must carefully select from our history and culture the principles that give every woman the opportunity to spread her wings and show us her distinct colours.
She said such moulds are based on culture and not religion. “Islam freed women from age of ignorance. They were traders, farmers, warriors and businesswomen,” she pointed out.
She said: “It is in our hands – with the promise of modern technology and innovation – to overcome any barriers facing women.
“Innovation breaks moulds. Innovation possibilities are infinite. Employ modern technology to create new society,” Queen Rania said while praising the UAE leadership in creating an atmosphere for innovation to succeed.