Sustainable migration: women on the move take centre stage at UOS

The symposium, organised in collaboration with Frankfurt University and supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), opened with a welcoming address from Professor Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Sharjah. He stressed the University's steadfast dedication to promoting sustainable migration and empowering women, highlighting the institution’s local, regional, and international accomplishments in scientific research and community service. Central to the University’s strategy is the empowerment of women through initiatives such as the Women in Research Committee, which continues to expand women’s leadership and participation across diverse academic fields.

Professor Zahia Salhi, Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences emphasised migration’s critical role in the lives of many women and girls, who are vital contributors to the economies of both their home and host countries. She championed sustainable migration as a key enabler for women to settle in safe, dignified environments where they can actively engage socially, economically, and politically, thus contributing to sustainable development for themselves and their communities.

Representing Frankfurt University, Professor Shaitali Das expressed gratitude to the University of Sharjah for hosting the event and highlighted the symposium’s significance in spotlighting issues that deeply affect women, families, and society. Dr Ayat Nashwan, Chair of the Organising Committee and Project Coordinator at the University of Sharjah, described the symposium as a pioneering platform for exchanging knowledge on sustainable migration and women's role in driving development. She credited such events with solidifying the University’s reputation as a regional hub for research and academic excellence.

The symposium featured a wide range of scientific sessions and panel discussions. Among the notable presentations were Dr Noura Al Karbi’s study on Emirati women’s contributions to community development and Dr Manar Abu Talib’s exploration of the future of women in research in the local and global contexts. The complex identity and labor challenges faced by migrant women in the UAE were addressed in a joint presentation by Dr Asma Awad and Dr Amira Trish. Health indicators for women in the UAE and the impact of long-term residency policies on retaining female healthcare professionals were also salient topics of discussion, presented by Dr Sawsan Abu Hamad and Dr Ayat Nashwan respectively. Dr Kazi Farzana rounded out the sessions with her study titled “Women and Sustainable Migration.”

The symposium concluded with a comprehensive summary of key findings and strategic recommendations, and a forward-looking discussion on enhancing academic and research collaboration in the field. This inaugural event is part of a broader week-long scientific and cultural exchange program designed to highlight the rich cultural heritage and contemporary socio-economic landscape of the United Arab Emirates.