First Women's Day dedicated to mothers of martyrs

A file photo of Shaikh Hamdan with family members of martyred Emirati soldier Saif Al Falasi, in Al Warqaa.

Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood has expressed her pleasure at dedicating the first Emirati Women's Day, on August 28, to honour mothers of martyrs and women working in the armed forces.
In a speech to mark the day, Shaikh Fatima lauded the support given to the UAE women by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and Their Highness the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.
"Under the leadership of Shaikh Khalifa and in line with his directives, August 28 will from now on be marked as Emirati Women's Day," she said.
"This decision reaffirms the right of the UAE women to be honoured, thanked and appreciated by society for the sacrifices they have been making.
"It also illustrates the wise leadership's strong conviction in the important role women play in peace and development efforts, and in countering all forms of gender discrimination and violence."
She added that the since the formation of the country in 1971, the UAE has made steady progress in realising gender equality.
"The UAE has become a modern state and a role model for efficient legislations, policies and practices towards human rights, particularly women's rights," she said.
"On this day, August 28, 2015, we dedicate our celebration of the first Emirati Women's Day to the mothers of the martyrs who did not hesitate to offer their sons as heroes and martyrs for the sake of their motherland.
We also dedicate it to the women in military service who left the life of comfort and luxury to protect their country and to see its flag flying high. "I encourage my fellow Emirati women to maintain the achievements made and to work harder towards more achievements, progress and empowerment. I also urge Emirati women to actively participate in the upcoming Federal National Council elections, in order to play an effective role in the next legislative chapter." - Wam