Emirati Women’s Day not only celebrates our achievements, but also serves as a reminder to gauge where we all are on the path of societal development.
National celebrations such as the one we’re preparing to mark on Sunday help shine a light on our successes to date and also provide the perfect platform to chart a course that will help drive our future contributions, shape our roles and encourage other women to find their voices.
Organisations such as the General Women’s Union, which was set up in 1975 by the Mother of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, are helping to empower women to take their rightful place in society.
The GWU’s vision is reflected in many other entities that are encouraging Emirati women to step out of the shadows, nurture their talent and pursue their dreams.
As a girl growing up, it was always my hope that I would succeed in my own ambitions and live up to the values instilled in me by my mother and father. I’m so lucky that I had parents who encouraged me to reach for the stars, and I can genuinely say I never felt any impediment from being an Emirati woman.
In part, this is because of the opportunities I have been given as a UAE citizen, and I genuinely believe that success is the result of hard work and isn’t driven or defined by gender.
As a communications director at a prominent oil-and-gas company, I convey this message to junior female members of the company.
I have never been given the impression that just because I’m a woman I cannot achieve what I hoped I would. When one talks of barriers facing women, these aren’t unique barriers attributed to any one country – they exist all over the world.
Events such as Emirati Women’s Day are helping to address negative perceptions and continue to highlight our progress. In turn, this recognition of the contribution of our female members of society is helping to tackle the misconceptions that still exist.
What better way to demonstrate the wisdom and inclusiveness of a nation than celebrate its women and their contribution to society. We have given so much and in so many ways over the years. And with the right support and environment where prejudices don’t exist, we can give more and continue to do our country proud.
Mariam Al Badr is director of corporate communications at Dolphin Energy Limited.
If you have a good story to tell or an interesting issue to debate, contact Melinda Healy on mhealy@thenational.ae.
