Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) hosted the 11th knowledge-sharing session of its Qudwa initiative, which was headed by Mona Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office. The Qudwa initiative was launched by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and wife of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and UAE Minister of Presidential Affairs, in support of Emirati Women’s Day, to empower Emirati women to further contribute to the development of the UAE.

The session was organised for students of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) – Fujairah. The event was also attended by Safia Al Raqbani, Acting Director of HCT Fujairah, Dr. Saif Al Qaidi, Dean of Academic Operations at HCT Fujairah, Hamad Al Mutairi, Lecturer in UAE and Arabic Studies at HCT Fujairah, Lamia Abdulaziz Khan, Communications Director at Dubai Women Establishment, and over 100 media studies students.

The 10 Pillars of Character During the session, Mona Al Marri discussed ten guiding pillars that help to shape well-rounded individuals in our society, starting with the first, which is upholding high moral standards.

She moved on to the second pillar, highlighting the importance and influence of a person’s environment and the people around them, including family, friends and colleagues.

Commenting on the third pillar – a person’s homeland – she said: "Patriotism is our commitment to the laws and systems of the UAE, and to being its best ambassadors inside and outside the country."

Highlighting the example set by the UAE’s leadership in patriotism and humility, Mona Al Marri discussed her first experience of working with the media, whilst supporting the Dubai Shopping Festival as part of her role at the Department of Economic Development.

Emphasising the importance of the fourth and fifth pillars, diligence and dedication, in pursuing a successful career, Al Marri urged the students to remain focused on their goals, and to support and encourage their peers and colleagues.

She said: "Our leadership are the role models we follow in promoting happiness and respect for others amongst the UAE community, which represents over 200 nationalities. Our nation’s vision is to spread tolerance – the sixth pillar in shaping character."

She also discussed the importance of demonstrating strong loyalty to the country and its leadership – the seventh pillar – and highlighted the unique opportunities available to Emirati girls and women, which are not found anywhere else around the world.

Al Marri identified the eighth, ninth, and tenth pillars as setting clear and specific goals, striving to achieve a good work-life balance, and working hard to gain people’s respect.

Discussing the important role of young people in society, especially in the media sector, she said: "Our country’s leadership has placed the youth at the heart of our development journey and is committed to providing young people with the required support to develop their sense of responsibility and help them reach the highest positions."

Mona Al Marri concluded the session by exploring four inspirational takeaways with the students: - Live up to the trust that has been placed in you by the country’s leadership - Remain up-to-date with all developments in the country, particularly as the UAE is developing at a very fast pace.

- Understand and contribute to the UAE Vision 2021 and national agenda