Knowledge building: Female Emirati role models to share experiences

A new initiative has been launched to provide a platform for female Emirati role models to share their knowledge and experience with their compatriots.The platform, known as Qudwa - which is Arabic for 'role models' - is a four month-long initiative that has been set up to allow young women to meet Emirati role models in senior positions in government, the media, health, energy and the environment

Michael Fahy, ZAWYA

August 28, 2017

28 August 2017
A new initiative has been launched to provide a platform for female Emirati role models to share their knowledge and experience with their compatriots.

The platform, known as Qudwa - which is Arabic for 'role models' - is a four month-long initiative that has been set up to offer Emirati women the chance to meet role models in the country - from government ministers to those working in industries such as the media, technology, health, energy and the environment.

The initiative was launched by Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is president of the United Arab Emirates' Gender Balance Council and Dubai Women Establishment, as well as being the wife of the UAE's deputy prime minister, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It was announced on Sunday as part of the Emirati Women's Day celebrations.

The aim of the initiative is to empower Emirati women to make a greater contribution to the UAE's development. The role models will meet senior university students, new employees and female professionals through initiatives that will include knowledge sharing sessions and working days spent with role models.

Sheikha Manal said: "This form of knowledge sharing is one the most rewarding ways in which you can give back to society, and it enables Emirati women to leave a legacy." The initiative will run from September to December.

Dubai Airports also announced that it was launching a new career development programme targeting Emirati women in managerial and internship positions.

The 'Aspiring Women's Programme' is aimed at helping to develop future leaders within the organisation by putting them through a nine-month programme that will include leadership coaching, workplaces challenges, workshops and events aimed at building female networks.

The airport management company said that it employs more than 200 women in a variety of roles, and that 32 percent of these are in leadership positions. It also said that of its current graduate intake, 76 percent are Emirati women.

Ann-Marie Campbell, executive vice president of human resources and development at Dubai Airports, said: “We are delighted to launch DA’s Aspiring Women Course and believe this programme will harness the potential of the many dynamic Emirati women in our organisation."

Speaking at an event held at Dubai Chamber on Sunday, UAE Minister of Economy, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, said: “The women of the UAE have proven their efficiency in accomplishing various tasks entrusted to them within different workplaces in the public and private sectors.

"This reflects the wise vision adopted by the UAE to empower women and maximise their role in shaping a bright and prosperous future. We are proud of what they have accomplished.”

Dubai Customs, meanwhile, held an event to honour 44 female employees who had achieved 20 years of service with the organisation.

Mariam Khalifa Al-Shamsi, head of the women's committee at Dubai Customs, said: “Rewarding the ladies who worked at Dubai Customs for 20 years is the least of what we can do to thank them. We recognise their great efforts in helping make Dubai Customs a successful example to follow worldwide”.

At telecoms operator du, an event was held on Sunday featuring a number of pioneering women, including Cross Fit trainer Abeer Al Khaja, graphic designer and first Emirati female parkour coach at Gravity Gym, Amal Murad, fashion designer and board member of UAE’s SME council, Sara Al Madani, and Kuwaiti business woman, Luma Bourisly.

Chief operations officer Farid Faraidooni said: "At du, we recognise the vital role that Emirati women play in the nation’s development and its prosperity, so we are very proud to have been able to host such a great event that celebrates Emirati women and their achievements. We place women’s empowerment at the core of our corporate sustainability vision and offer Emirati women a number of support programmes to grow their career."

Saeed Al Tayer, the managing director and chief executive of Dubai Electricty and Water Authority (DEWA), said: "At DEWA, where over 1,860 female staff work effectively, a large number of ladies take apart in volunteering work outside office hours. In 2016, female staff contributed over 50 percent of the total 12,900 volunteering hours."

Maryam Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Media Zone Authority and twofour54, said: "I am proud to live in a country that not only values the aspirations, talent, and capabilities of its women, but also takes active steps to ensure that they have access to all the opportunities to succeed.”

Habiba Al Marashi, president and CEO of Arabia CSR Network, said: “The Emirati women have historically played an important role as a partner of the nation in all areas of its development."

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