FNC candidate from Al Ain has the common touch

One of the 22 female FNC candidates from the emirate of Abu Dhabi highlights the needs of women, children, the elderly and even recent university graduates.

Dr Shamsa Salem Al Balooshi says it is her passion for understanding people's needs that makes her stand out. Duncan Chard for the National

AL AIN // Shedding light on the needs of women, mothers, children, the orphaned, the divorced, the elderly and recent university graduates, Dr Shamsa Salem Al Balooshi introduced herself to Al Ain voters last night.

Dr Al Balooshi, 45, is one of 22 female candidates from the emirate of Abu Dhabi vying for a place on the FNC.

"I am very passionate about education and have worked with kindergarten students and their parents for more than two decades," said Dr Al Balooshi, who is the principal of Al Towayya Primary School. "I have lived the life of the average Emirati woman and understand the needs of the public. I have lived through all facets of society and want to bring the voice of the people and their problems to our leadership and aid in exploring solutions."

Dr Al Balooshi, whose campaign motto is "Serving you my country is an honour", outlined her political ambitions to residents of the Oasis City at the Ayla Hotel last night.

A teacher with a doctorate in public administration and leadership from the University of Cairo, Dr Al Balooshi hopes to put into use her 27 years of experience in education, social and family affairs.

"I want to push for flexible working hours for mothers as I am concerned that children are spending too much time with nannies than with their mothers. I want to bring to light the fact that a number of Emirati university graduates are finding it difficult to find jobs and often have unrealistic expectations about the jobs they are qualified for straight out of university."

Dr Al Balooshi said she believed that the elderly were under-appreciated. She said they had a wealth of knowledge that was dismissed once they reached the age of retirement.

"There needs to be a plan to study and meet their needs as they are a valuable asset in our midst that have a wealth of knowledge that younger generations should respect and learn from," she said.

"What makes me stand out among other candidates is my passion for understanding people's needs," she said. "I bring realistic solutions to issues without making false promises bringing light to family and social needs."

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