Sheikha Fatima 'led the way' for girls' education from the beginning

In the UAE, 95 per cent of female high-school graduates pursue further education at tertiary-level institutions, compared with 80 per cent of men

In the UAE, women make up about 70 per cent of all university graduates. Photo: Nama

Sheikha Fatima, the Mother of the Nation, has been working continually to empower women through education.

She supported, encouraged, and believed in the role women could play in the country's development, said Sheikha Dr Moza bint Tahnoun Al Nahyan, adviser to the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

"In Sheikha Fatima's words, progress is achieved in its true sense when all members of the society develop in an equitable way. In the UAE, we have that and women are equal partners," Sheikha Moza said at the Global Summit of Women in Abu Dhabi, which took place from February 21 to February 22.

"Educating girls not only improves gender equality but promotes economic growth, and helps lift households, communities, and countries out of poverty.

"Sheikha Fatima always said education is the window through which women can gain a deeper understanding of civilisations. This is important for progress and development, as well as our society's continued advancement," Sheikha Moza said.

"In the UAE women's education was a vital component of the country's development, which was established by the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace."

Sheikha Moza said the UAE leads by example.

"At the Arab, regional, and international levels, the UAE is a model for women's advancement. It's important to note that women make up about 70 per cent of all university graduates, particularly in Stem [subjects]. In addition, women represent about 44 per cent of all researchers in this country," she said.

According to the latest data from the country’s Gender Balance Council, the literacy rate among women in the UAE is 95.8 per cent.

The most striking fact is that 95 per cent of female high-school graduates pursue further education at tertiary-level institutions, compared with 80 per cent of males.

Women constitute almost two-thirds of students attending government universities and 56 per cent are pursuing Stem courses.

"Globally, there are still several challenges that women face that prevent them from accessing education.

"According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, only 35 per cent of students enrolled in Stem-related fields worldwide are women."

"At the international level, the UAE pledged in 2021 to provide $100 million to the Global Partnership for Education to support the 2025 strategy for education programmes in developing countries, to be provided from 2021 to 2025.

"I am confident that the results and recommendations made during this Summit will represent a turning point in achieving the goals that we all aspire to in addressing the issues and challenges facing women in our contemporary world," she said.

Emirati women blazing a trail - in pictures

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  Anna Al Qubaisi became the first Arab woman to participate at the Rotax Max Challenge World Finals in 2017 and the first to win the UAE RMC Championship. Picture: Jorge Ferrari

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  Ms Al Qubaisi and YouTuber Sam Fane starred in Etihad Airways' 'Hosting the World' video series. Photo: Etihad Airways

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  Ms Al Qubaisi's successes include the 2018 Italian F4 Championship with Prema. Picture: Handout

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  She was the first woman to take part in a Formula E test when she drove for the Envision Virgin Racing team in Riyadh. Karma Gurung / The National

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  She was the first woman and first Emirati to win the Senior class Rotax Max Challenge. Photo: Abu Dhabi Racing

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  One of the most common challenges that annoyed Ms Al Qubaisi was constantly coming up against stereotypes. Photo: Handout

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  UAE figure skater Zahra Lari is breaking down barriers to put Emirati women on the sporting map. AP

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  When she was 17, she made history by becoming the first figure skater from the UAE to compete in an international competition. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

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  Ms Lari at a training session in 2015. Ravindranath K / The National

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  She became the first international competitive Emirati figure skater in 2014, competing at the Dubai Golden Cup. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

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  The world’s first figure skater to compete in a hijab, she was also the UAE’s first figure skater to compete in qualification events for the Winter Olympics in 2018. Ravindranath K / The National

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  Thanks to Ms Lari, the UAE became the first Arab state to join the International Skating Union. Silvia Razgova / The National