Women's Day: Emirati girls are blazing their way ahead

March 8 celebrates women across the world and their achievements at an economic, political and social level. The celebration is not limited by the boundaries of age. In fact, the upcoming generation of women are taking charge so they can rise up to every opportunity within reach and lead in every field. With the support of the government, change is afoot and the young Emirati women of today will be empowered to be the future leaders of tomorrow.
"On the occasion of International Women's Day, Khaleej Times spoke to three young Emirati women who are already paving their way to success. These women, who have been captured on an iPhone lens, aim to be the leaders of tomorrow."
Youngest Emirati astronaut candidate, Dana Al Blooshi
Dana is the youngest Emirati astronaut candidate holding a number of certificates in aeronautics and space administration at NASA. The 11-year-old 'whizkid' completed ground-based, air-based and naval training courses in space and rocket science and received two gold medals for her excellence.
When it comes to ambition, Dana believes the sky is the limit' literally. "I remember watching documentaries about space with such awe and curiosity. I'm very lucky to have found my dream to pursue it at an early age," she said.
Dana dreams of becoming an astronaut one day. She spent a month training at a space centre in Houston, Texas. She also trained for two months at a space centre in Alabama. Later, at the Space Center Houston, Dana and her brother Adeeb were awarded a gold medal from the Space College for their excellence, especially in underwater neutral buoyancy training for astronauts and zero-gravity environment training. Dana looks forward to raising the UAE flag aloft in all her participations and work, and proving that the children of the UAE are the generation of future builders, capable of innovation and excellence.
"What pushed me forward was my determination but also the support of the women I've looked up to, with the most important one being my mother," she said. "I'm proud of the accomplishments of Arab women over the past decade, and more so of the mothers who taught their daughters to be innovators, creators, fighters, and contributors to their community, like mine has."
Emirati Jiu Jitsu player, Wadima Al Yafei
Wadima entered history books by becoming the first Emirati woman to win a medal at the Asian Beach Games. She admits that one of her proudest moments was receiving the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award. "It's interesting because I started playing Jiu Jitsu as part of the school curriculum and hated it at the beginning. That all changed after the first tournament. Holding the gold medal is when I decided I would put my heart into this sport," said Wadima, 18.
Her inspiration is Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, the first woman to represent the UAE at the Olympic Games, paving the way for other women in martial art sports. Wadima explained: "I faced a lot of challenges and criticism at the start of my journey. My family found it difficult to accept Jiu Jitsu as a women's sport, but they soon got on board once they saw my achievements and the impact I was making.
"On the occasion of International Women's Day, I would like to acknowledge and celebrate all woman across the world. It's indeed a special day. I would also urge them to step on a mat and learn Jiu Jitsu. It's a beautiful sport that will expose them to a better quality of life, with healthy habits and self-defense techniques that will raise their self-esteem."
Emirati poet and horseback rider, Mezna Al Ameri
Mezna Alameri, 13, is a rising star in the realms of both poetry and horseback riding. At a time when the younger generations are at a loss for words, she brings back the linkage between Arab heritage and literature.
"I discovered my passion for Arabic poetry when I was only 7 years old. Listening to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum poetry planted a seed within me and inspired me to follow that path" she said. "My passion for poetry then led me to the equestrian sport. Now, I write and give poetry readings for the love of both, arts and sports."
"For International Women's Day, I'd like to take a moment to celebrate my mother who has been my pillar of strength and motivation. She is my number one fan and I am hers.
"I would also like to reflect on the choices I've made, and set a good example for the young Arab girls who are inspired by my journey. To them I say, believe in yourself, stay brave and work hard to become the best version of yourself so you can be a positive role model for other women and the wider society you live in."
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

Emirati poet and horseback rider, Mezna Alameri