"The Emirati women are now well qualified enough and in a position that enables them to efficiently contribute to the comprehensive developmental drive embraced by the government. However the road is still long and onerous and there are yet many obstacles to stamp out to achieve the aspired goals. For our part, we are summoning up all efforts, inspired by our religion and the guiding principles of our wise leadership as well as our culture and heritage," said Sheikha Fatima.

"Building up the potential of Emirati women lies at the top of the priorities of UAE Women's Federation which has made all necessary efforts to qualify Emirati women for proper political representation," she added, noting that the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women in UAE 2015-2021 represents a springboard for all state departments.

|"The strategy since its launch two years ago, significantly contributes to charting a strategic pathway for our future through the development of robust partnerships between federal and local entities as well as other regional and international organisations to ensure full empowerment for Emirati women, and enabling them to pioneer and be at the forefront of advanced countries in this field."

"A lot of goals have been achieved following the launch of this strategy, primarily in areas of education and social empowerment. Economy as well featured high on our set of priorities with women now being able to rely on themselves and provide their families with a decent living standard and sustainable sources of income."

A large number of awareness workshops and seminars has been organised by the Women's Federation to ensure the wellbeing of women and families, the latest of which was held in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces and focused on helping man, women and families lead a healthy lifestyle, H.H. Sheikha Fatima added.

"Therefore the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women in UAE represents such a quantum leap for the advancement of women, opening up a new era for development and growth characterised with more ambitions and expectations," noted Sheikh Fatima, concluding that "the strategy has merited the appreciation of a number of women's organisations across the world and we have requested by several international officials to send them our strategy for their circulation among the members stats of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, known as UN Women."

Source: Wam