Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has organised the 4th Emirati Women's Day Forum under the theme ‘Women on the Course of Zayed’ at the Armani hotel in Dubai. The forum celebrates Emirati Women's Day, which is observed every 28 August.
(Pakistan Point News - 29th Aug, 2018) DUBAI, 28th August 2018 (WAM) - Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has organised the 4th Emirati Women's Day Forum under the theme ‘Women on the Course of Zayed’ at the Armani hotel in Dubai. The forum celebrates Emirati Women's Day, which is observed every 28 August. Hessa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development; Mariam Al Mehairi, Minister of State for Future food Security; Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA; government and women leaders in the UAE, and a large number of DEWA female staff attended the event.
"The accomplishments that Emirati women have achieved are the result of the approach to empowering women, which was established by our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace. He was a strong supporter of women and who encouraged them to take part in various forms of development. Today, Emirati women are actively and efficiently working across all domains. This includes space research, renewable energy, nuclear energy for peaceful uses, manufacturing and launching satellites, aviation technologies, and other industries. On this day, we remember the achievements of Emirati women and their role in the development efforts that the UAE has been witnessing. This is supported by the unlimited support provided by the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
We celebrate Emirati Women’s Day in the Year of Zayed, as the daughters of Zayed have made greater successes and achievements across all areas with the support of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood ‘Mother of the Nation.’ The UAE ranked first in the Arab World and among the developed countries in women’s rights, according to the annual report of the Arab Women Studies Center of the Arab Women Foundation 2017. The report commended the UAE’s leadership and its approach in women empowerment, noting that Emirati women have become key partners in leading sustainable development, and that they have strong presence in Arab, regional and international feminist activities," said Al Tayer in his keynote speech.
"‘The Course of Zayed’ is a message that obliges us to follow on the footstep of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Since the establishment of the UAE, he believed that the development of our society is achieved by empowering women, encouraging their participation, and giving them opportunities. He also believed that all efforts should be concerted to enable women to perform their roles to the fullest. During the declaration of the establishment of our country, the late Sheikh Zayed once said, "Nothing pleases me more than seeing Emirati women assuming their role in society and achieving their rightful position. Nothing should hinder the march of women's progress. Like men, women have the right to assume the highest positions according to their abilities and qualifications," added Al Tayer.
Al Tayer emphasised the key role that DEWA plays in empowering women in the workplace, so that they empower society as a whole and contribute to building the nation and preparing future generations. DEWA is one of the leading government organisations in empowering women both professionally and socially. DEWA currently employs 1,916 female staff in its operations, 812 work in engineering and other technical positions, with 79% of DEWA’s female workforce are Emirati Nationals.
"On Emirati Women’s Day, we thank and appreciate every Emirati mother, sister, and daughter, and are proud of the mothers and wives of our martyrs who have given the finest examples of giving to their homeland," concluded Al Tayer.
"I would like to thank DEWA for organising this important event, held on Emirati Women's Day, and for its efforts in supporting and empowering women. This is clearly reflected in the steady increase of female employees at DEWA and the percentage of women holding leadership positions there. I also commend the efforts made by DEWA’s Women's Committee to implement many programmes and activities that support female professionals to balance their professional and social lives, and harness their energies to highlight their roles in the work environment," said Buhumaid.
"We are fortunate in the UAE for our wise leadership who believe in the capabilities of Emirati women and the importance of empowering them to enhance their effective roles in the sustainable development of the UAE. This is an approach that was established from the outset of the Union by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. We are also fortunate in the UAE His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, all have faith Emirati women. This has made the UAE a role model for supporting and empowering women, and made Emirati women a symbol for the region. All of this would not have been possible without the support of and care for all women by H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, whose sustained patronage has had a significant impact on Emirati women to achieve in record time what other women around the world achieve in decades."
Mariam Al Mehairi thanked DEWA for organising the forum. "Emirati women have always had support and appreciation from the leadership, starting from the care given by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan ,who was keen to promote the role of women in society by removing all obstacles in the way of their development and getting their rights. Emirati women today are shining role models in the Arab and Muslim world, and internationally. Today, we see the fruits of this care as we see many examples of successful Emirati women who lead the way for present and future generations. Thanks to Allah and with the help of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the Nation), Emirati women have become on equal standing with men, working in all professions, and representing the state in global forums and conferences, which underlines their strong will to contribute to the progress of their country," said Al Mehairi.
"Celebrating UAE Women's Day is a badge of honour for women, and is evidence of our wise leadership’s faith in the importance of the contributions of the daughters of the nation and their role in the development efforts and our nation’s progress. Today, we celebrate Emirati women and express gratitude to a country that values women," she said.
"DEWA plays a key role in empowering women by providing a motivating work environment that not only has a positive impact on DEWA but also has a significant impact on society as a whole. With the support of DEWA’s top management, the Women's Committee adopts a comprehensive approach that explores the different aspects that matter to women, such as self-development, and psychological and professional development. The Women’s Committee translates these into plans and programmes that balance women’s professional and social lives and develop their personal and life skills to prepare them to deal with the different challenges and take advantage of every available opportunity. On behalf of DEWA’s Women’s Committee, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to our wise leadership and to all women leaders in the UAE who have encouraged Emirati women and stood by their side. I also thank all the organisations that empower women, and care for families and children in all the Emirates. I would like to thank Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, for his unwavering support to the Women's Committee. I also thank the committee’s members for their efforts to organise this forum," said Khawla Al Mehairi, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Government Communications at DEWA.
"Emirati women have been blessed with all the elements that contribute to their advancement, assisting them in leaving their distinctive marks in all their work. On this occasion, I congratulate every Emirati woman and our wise leadership that empowers them to become an integral part of all the nation’s achievements and successes, and of building a bright future for generations to come, recalling the values and achievements of the late Sheikh Zayed in all his work and success," said Fatima Deemas, Senior Manager of Internal Communications and Vice Chairman of DEWA’s Women’s Committee.
The workshop included a panel discussion entitled ‘Women in the Era of Zayed,’ with the participation of Dr Rafia Ghobash, founder of the Women's Museum; Dr Amina Bou Chehab, Emirati writer and researcher; Dr Amal Belhoul, Community Affairs Advisor at Watani Al Emarat Foundation; and Hala Kazim, Emirati author, social influencer, entrepreneur, and founder of Journey Through Change. The workshop also included another panel discussion entitled ‘The next generation on the Course of Zayed,’ with Taif Al Amiri, Director of Government Communications at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; Aliah Al Hazami, Emirates Youth Council board member representing Sharjah; and Shaima al-Marzouki, Emirati novelist, author, and DEWA employee, on the panel.
At the end of the forum, Al Tayer thanked the speakers and partners of DEWA Women's Committee. DEWA’s female employees and forum participants commended DEWA for organising the forum for the fourth consecutive year, praising its efforts in empowering women in the workplace.
