FUJAIRAH // Members of the public in Fujairah have been encouraged to actively participate in politics and have been given an insight into the important role women play in running the country.
At an event organised by the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, in partnership with the General Women’s Union, two sessions were held on Thursday on the topic Women and the Federal National Council: March of Empowerment, with senior members of the FNC. Both sessions were moderated by the General Women’s Union.
In the first session, Dr Saeed Mohammed Al Ghafli, the assistant undersecretary for FNC Affairs, presented a paper on the theme of “Culture of political participation and empowerment programme of the Federal National Council”.
“Political participation is important to safeguard rights and freedoms, and is a mechanism to convey the needs and aspirations of the citizens to the Government,” said Dr Al Ghafli.
“It helps achieve stability and mass awareness in the community and enables constructive cooperation between citizens and Government institutions. Political participation also makes it possible to supplement Government policies and plans with views of citizens.”
Speaking to The National, Dr Al Ghafli said: “We are also here to encourage citizens to participate in the third national elections next year, and to increase their awareness regarding the duties and responsibilities of the Federal National Council members.
“We are well prepared for the upcoming elections and we hope that the progress we achieved in the last elections will continue during the next phase.”
After two national elections, citizens were familiar with the whole election process, he said. It was their duty to find out more about the candidates before voting – “and it is our duty to spread the awareness regarding this topic”.
Tariq Hilal Lootah, the undersecretary of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, also emphasised the role of Government in spreading awareness about the need for political participation.
“In this effort, the ministry has been organising seminars and other awareness activities, and emphasising that political awareness in the community requires the concerted efforts of all state institutions,” he said.
Mr Lootah pointed out that the ministry was keen to empower Emirati women according to the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
The second session was about Emirati women in the Federal National Council. “We as Emirati women worked hand in hand with men long before we became public figures and FNC members,” said Dr Sheikha Issa Alari, a member of the FNC.
“This is not a new thing for us and Government support has encouraged us to reach the highest positions in the country,” she said.
“My first accomplishment was when I became one of the Federal National Council members and that I have been given the chance to address citizens’ issues and speak on behalf of them. They trusted me not because I was well known among them but because I dedicated my whole life to serving my country and fellow citizens.”
rhaza@thenational.ae