A fitting tribute

A festival is a great way to shed light on roles played by Sheikha Fatima and all mothers

From left, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Mooza Al Otaiba, Maitha Al Shamsi and Ayesha Al Awadi at a conference on Sheikha Fatima at Abu Dhabi University, in 2010. Jaime Puebla / The National

We are all aware of the role Sheikha Fatima has played quietly and tirelessly towards the development of our country. As the wife of the country’s Founder, Sheikh Zayed, her generous contributions to charity and humanitarian work, and her relentless efforts to promote peace and empower women through education and training, have set an example in the region and beyond. It is for that reason that she is called the Mother of the Nation.

Now a festival in the capital this month will pay tribute to Sheikha Fatima's vision and the contribution of all mothers. And rightly so – the quiet role that mothers play in the family is a powerful force for social cohesion and integration. Many have also made phenomenal progress in their careers in diverse fields. There is little wonder that they have been equal stakeholders in propelling our country to the enviable position on the global stage it is in today. It's time that they get their due recognition.