Moza Mohammed Ali Rashid's enhanced role in UAE Census process epitomizes progress of women in the country

Fujairah, December 27, 2005: There is an old saying that you can judge a society by the way it treats its women. In the last several decades many world organizations have signed onto that belief -- making improvements in the status of women among their highest priorities.

And Moza Mohammed Ali Rashid, a teacher by day and a UAE Census enumerator as the evening sets in, epitomizes everything that UAE has achieved in the last three and a half decades.

Twenty-seven-year old Moza, who teaches at the Tuweyeen School for Girls in Fujairah, has the unique distinction of being the only woman enumerator in the town. For her part, Moza has taken up the responsibility bestowed on us with a lot of confidence and optimism.

"When the Census Manager in Fujairah, Dr Ibrahim Saad Mohammed Ahmed, came to our school to shed light about the Tedad initiative, it sparked my interest and I thought of grasping the opportunity because we do not have many interesting things that happen in this part of the UAE," said Moza.

She added: "Since I am not married, I have a lot more space and devotion to execute extra curricular activities. Secondly, I would like to thank my family who welcomed the idea of being an Enumerator for the Census, because it is part of the nation's pride."

Not everything, though, comes in easy for Moza... especially the long punishing schedule that she subjects herself to. "Well, it is kind of difficult to manage school and the Census work. My day normally starts early at school and gets over at around 1:30pm. It takes about half an hour to get back home and my Census work begins from 4pm until around 10pm or 11pm."

She added: "My family members were a little hesitant at first and so was I, because it was difficult to get past the fact that I was home late all the time - especially with the training and the enumerating process. But both of us have got used to it now. At least, I am very satisfied doing the job."

Ask Moza what difficulties she encounters as part of her daily routine, she says: "Being the only female Emirati enumerator in my town has helped a lot and because it is a matter of national pride and it will help in the social and economic development of the UAE. I will also encourage girls to participate because girls are more acceptable. I think being a teacher has helped many families be more cooperative to me and more welcoming, because I know most of the families because of my profession."

She added: "The Census has also helped our relationships grow and I have made lots of friends and acquaintances through this experience. I think that being a woman facilitates walking into a lot of people's homes compared to other enumerators because most of the time people don't really welcome outsiders especially when the family men are not there."

Being a relatively smaller emirate has also helped matters for Moza, because her administrative area is quite limited. "According to the last Census, Fujairah had a population of 144,430. The majority of the people in our town are UAE nationals. I think there are few Indians and Egyptians. So it has been a roller-coaster ride for me."

On the accuracy of information collated, Moza said: "I don't think I have ever received wrong information from people except from the sensitive topic of handicapped or illnesses in the family. Because I know most of the families, I know what's in their homes, but obviously I cannot force them out to tell me unless they choose to."

Encouragement, of course, is the name of the game and Moza is no exception. If she hadn't had the encouragement of her family or for that matter, Dr Ibrahim Saad, she would not have been part of the history in the making.

Praising Moza's grit and determination, Dr. Ibrahim Saad said: "Census 2005, in particular, is very special at the national level - considering the stress on hi-tech technology to get accurate results. I am equally proud that Moza has taken a proactive step in making the process successful. Moza's active role in Fujairah showcases how the UAE women have actively contributed to the nation-building process. As a UAE national, I feel proud of Moza. From Fujairah's perspective, we have taken a number of steps to facilitate the process, particularly in providing manpower and transportation etc."

When Moza started out, she had to show that the UAE women are as tough as men. Months after spearheading the initiative in Fujairah, she is more comfortable with the notion that it's no longer only a man's world.

-Ends-

About Tedad:
Tedad is UAE's most ambitious and far reaching Census ever conducted -- the most comprehensive study of the social and economic make up of the country. The UAE Ministry of Economy and Planning has officially launched Tedad under Federal Law No. 9 of 1974. The Ministry is headed by Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qassimi. Findings of Tedad 2005 are set to impact the social and economic future as well as the global positioning of the UAE in the 21st Century. Over 1,500 enumerators are making door-to door visits in their designated zones across the country. The Higher Census Authority has also designed a website www.tedad.ae, which showcases all the information and progress on the nationwide initiative.

For further information please contact
Aida Al Busaidy/ Jaya Joshi,
Bates PanGulf PR,
Tel: +971-4-295 3456,
Fax: +971-4-295 1027
E-mail: aida@batespangulf.com / jaya@batespangulf.com

© Press Release 2005