The Emirati woman is constantly evolving, changing and growing: Sara Al Madani

Fashion designer, entrepreneur and founder of Sara Al Madani Fashion Design presents Rouge Couture, this woman can do it all. Sara Al Madani's passion for educating today's youth has seen her selected as the youngest board member of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. So what's it like to be an Emirati woman doing it all? Here's what she told us.
What does being an Emirati women mean to you? 
It means a lot to be an Emirati woman because she has reached so far, she is leading, she is making decisions, she is changing, she is strong, she is an example and she is a fighter.The stories we hear about successful Emirati women are beautiful - they just show you how strong willed she is, and a big part of that goes to the amazing support system we have in the country for women under the guidance of our leaders. I am proud to be an Emirati woman.
What are some misconceptions about Emirati women?
That they are weak, misguided, powerless and always depending on a male. I've heard much more but we already proved them wrong and we will carry on proving even more things.
What differences do you see between your mother's generation and your generation and possibly the future generation of Emirati women? 
There are so many differences, the personality, the purpose, the mindset, the interest, the situation. And I definitely see this generation changing even more in the future. The Emirati woman is constantly evolving, changing and growing.
What pressures do you feel that you have to deal with as an Emirati women? How do you overcome them? 
Even though the support system exists for women, I still feel like we need to prove ourselves. The only way to overcome that is to focus and to move forward.
Can women have it all? If yes, how? 
Yes, of course, but only if she wants to. Women have made it to every sector, every entity and every position because they wanted to and they were given the chance to. If you give a strong-willed woman the chance to be, to create and to lead, then only she will do wonders. It's all about the will and the opportunity.
What advice do you give to young women out there who want to make a difference and be successful in the UAE? 
For the past few years the UAE and our leaders have been empowering woman strongly and in every way possible, so there is no excuse for any woman not to be trying to prove herself and make her dreams come true. 
You are strong, you are beautiful, you are ambitious and you are a leader, don't be scared to show the world that you are, and before starting any of that please learn how to love yourself.
"I always believed that one woman's success can only help another woman's success." what do you make of this quote from Gloria Vanderbilt? 
I think that we need successful woman leaders to show the world that a woman can do it and to show other women that it's not impossible to do it. I also do believe that women should pull each other up instead of pushing each other down. But every woman has a strong will and is ambitious on her own - she doesn't need another person's success to help her get successful, we have always been fighters.
Who is the biggest female icon in your personal life and someone from the public eye? 
My public figure is every woman that has been successful, every story I hear amazes me. I also look up a lot to our Sheikhas and all their accomplishments and changes they are creating. 
In my personal life I would say it's my mom, I wouldn't have been the person I am today if it wasn't for the way she raised me. (maan@khaleejtimes.com)