Sheikha Fatima establishes new academic centre

The UAE's Mother of the Nation is aiming to empower mothers and harness the potential of the nation's next generation

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has established an academic centre to help give mothers and children in the country a greater quality of life. Khushnum Bhandari for The National

Sheikha Fatima, the Mother of the Nation, has established an academic centre in the UAE to support the nation's mothers and its youth.

The Fatima bint Mubarak Motherhood and Childhood Research Centre, based at the UAE University in Abu Dhabi, will conduct research aimed at strengthening the family unit.

She has long championed the role of women in Emirati life as chairwoman of the General Women's Union and president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

The centre will collate an extensive database of information to be used to develop ways to improve quality of life for mothers and children across the Emirates.

Sheikha Fatima said the centre would drive the country's efforts to unlock the talent of the next generation and the mothers who will help to mould them.

"The initiative to establish the centre stems from my keenness and concern for mothers, wherever they are, and to help them raise their children, the children of the UAE, in a good and healthy environment," she said, according to state news agency Wam.

"The late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, paid special attention to the rights of women and children.

"His directive to establish the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood at the start of 2003 aimed to create the best family, social, legal, educational, cultural and health environment for the Emirati family.

"At the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, we are determined to adopt new leading international standards that will empower women and children in all aspects of life.

"This can be achieved according to a scientific method based on in-depth and documented studies originating from the UAE.

"It will draw inspiration from the successes of other societies and their experiences to be launched later, to establish a national path and make a qualitative mark in this sector, to become a model and reference."