On this occasion, SSSD organised a meeting in the Wasit Suburb Council, attended by a number of women from the Asala Club and productive families, during which 4 female leaders spoke, each according to their specialisation. The meeting was moderated by Maryam Al Qasir, Director of the Social Education Department; Maryam Ismail, Director of the Women's Protection Centre in the department; Dr. Lawyer Iman Al Rifai, and Mona Al Zaabi, businesswoman.
Maryam Al Qasir discussed the topic of investing in women to accelerate the pace of progress in the UAE, and began her speech by identifying Emirati Women's Day, which dates back to the day the General Women's Union was established. It comes from the belief of the wise leadership of the UAE in the importance of the contributions of the daughters of the nation and their role in the development efforts and welfare of the UAE, and in appreciation and honour for what they have provided to support the country's progress.
Al Qasir said that investing in women is one of the most important factors in promoting economic and social progress in societies, and when women are empowered economically, educationally and socially, their opportunities to contribute to the economy and achieve progress increase. Some of the ways to invest in women include providing appropriate education, supporting economic opportunities, enhancing political and social participation, and ensuring women rights and protecting them from discrimination and violence. These steps work to create an environment that contributes to raising women's living standards and enhancing their role in comprehensive development. Emirati women, thanks to the vision of the UAE wise leadership and its unlimited support, have proven their vital role in building the nation. They have been and continue to be a key partner in development, and a symbol of determination and ambition. They have achieved historic accomplishments in education, science, economics and politics, and have been ambassadors for their country in international fora, proving that women are capable of achieving the impossible.
Maryam Al Qasir presented statistics on women's contributions to Emirati society, where 30% hold positions in diplomatic work, 67% hold positions in education, health and services, 12% participated in the discovery of Mars, and 25% hold positions in the ministerial formation.
Maryam Ismail presented an overview of the efforts and achievements of the Women's Protection Centre, and its slogan "From Protection to Empowerment", which is one of the first centres dedicated to protecting and caring for abused women in the UAE, and providing shelter services, in addition to social, psychological, legal and health services.
The centre was established in 2011 with the mission to provide a decent life for women in the Emirate of Sharjah.
The most prominent conditions for shelter in the centre are to submit a report by calling 800700 or through police, which confirms that the woman has actually been subjected to violence or that her condition is in danger, then she is sheltered until her problem is resolved.
Maryam Ismail addressed the "Intilaqa" programme launched by SSSD through the Women's Protection Centre, with the aim of empowering women aged 18-59 in several areas that help them live independently and with dignity. It also aims to advance women to a higher level of self-esteem and self-confidence developing their efficiency and capabilities by providing them with the necessary opportunities and tools.
Maryam Ismail explained that the programme is divided into 5 enablers: social, economic, professional, psychological and legal empowerment.
Dr. Lawyer Iman Al Rifai spoke about women's rights under laws and legislation, and indicated that the UAE law did not differentiate between men and women, but rather equated them in the areas of work, promotion and wages. It also provided free health care and education and opened all fields of work and job opportunities for them. She pointed out that the problem lies in the fact that a large number of women do not have a sufficient and comprehensive idea about women's rights, which causes them to face legal problems. It is very important for women to be familiar with the legal culture related to their rights and duties in all family, commercial and other areas.
The last intervention was by Mona Sultan Al Zaabi, businesswoman who presented her experience in self-employment within the experiences of productive families. She started from scratch in making incense, which she mastered from her aunts, as she used to monitor their work and learned their craft.
Al Zaabi pointed out that her children did not agree with her work, but she insisted on her opinion and continued and obtained a commercial license and participated in exhibitions through her membership in a production centre. She now has a brand known by her name and has created many customers in all regions of the UAE. She called on other women to achieve their dreams and have complete confidence in their abilities.
On another note, the Elderly Care Nursery in SSSD celebrated Emirati Women's Day with the elderly residents of the home. Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) participated in the celebration, providing an overview of traditional costumes and popular foods. The NMC Medical Centre also participated in the ceremony, providing gifts to the elderly. The Licensing and Social Professions Department participated in the Emirati Women's Day celebrations, by presenting workshops for members of the association. The Social Assistance Department organised a trip for beneficiaries of social security in the department to the Suhub Rest House in Khorfakkan, in addition to heritage workshops presented by SIH. An exhibition was also held in the Wasit Suburb Council of the "Intaj" Centre, in which productive families and members of the centre participated by displaying the Tayeb package for incense and perfumes, the Atayeb package for foods, the Mahra package for heritage crafts, in addition to the Ibdaa package for handicrafts, and the Anaqa package for fashion and accessories.
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