Dubai, 4th Jan. 2011 (WAM) -- His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has awarded the Mohammed bin Rashid scarf to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bin Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), and of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), in recognition of her historic role in advancement and empowerment of the UAE woman and family.

Sheikha Fatima, locally known as ''Mother of Nation'', was honoured as part of Sheikh Mohammed's latest directives that celebrations of his 6th accession anniversary to focus on mothers, reflecting authenticity of UAE society.

On this glorious occasion, Sheikh Mohammed said :'' The UAE is proud of H.H. Sheikha Fatima as a historic woman leader who stood behind the founding father throughout his lifetime journey for building the nation and toiled over more than three decades to support and empower UAE woman. Apart from her tremendous responsibilities, Sheikha Fatima has groomed and built national, political leaders whom we are very proud ofand of their achievements''.

''Honouring the Mother of Nation is dedicated to every mother in the UAE. This recognition is not only from me but from the people of the UAE, and in particular from daughters of UAE as mothers, women workers and girls students, and even from orphans, physically challenged persons and other groups of the community whom Sheikha Fatima's achievements had had direct impact on their lives throughout decades of sincere national action,'' the Vice President added.

Sheikh Mohammed's noble gesture comes to crown a committed national drive towards advancement of women and array of achievementsin support of the most vulnerable categories in the community.

Sheikha Fatima, who also heads the Higher Council for Motherhood and Childhood, is sponsoring and supporting many local and international organisations the likes of the UAE Red Crescent Authority and Zayed House for Comprehensive Welfare.

Sheikha Fatima played a leading role in encouraging women to educate themselvesand rolled out a massive nation-wide campaign for eradicating illiteracy under her resonating statement '' Illiteracy is our arch enemy''.

Sheikha Fatima founded the Abu Dhabi Women Association in 1973 as the first voice for women in the UAE then pooled and mobilised energies of all local women into the General Women's Union which serves as the mouthpiece of UAE women at regional and international gatherings, advocate of their rights and guard of their gains and achievements.

The Family Development Foundation (FDF) was born under Sheikha Fatima presidency to take care of women and children in cooperation with other competent agencies, enforce social legislations and recommend developmentprogrammes to guarantee rights and welfare of women and children.

Sheikha Fatima had special interest in motherhood, childhood and family, the major concerns which take quite a great part of her time. In a short span of time, she was able to make outstanding gains and status for children and mothers on all levels.

Apart from her great support for women in social, health and educational sectors, Sheikha Fatima spurred and supported women to engage in political life and decision-making process.

Sheikha Fatima is currently sponsoring the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee women in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Sheikha Fatima has instituted several awards carrying her nameto promote values of social development, empowerment and solidarity.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.