Hats off to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak who has launched the ‘Fatima Bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Centre of Excellence’ (“Centre to groom women as leaders, decision-makers,” Gulf Today, June 24).

Another step towards prosperity and empowering women as the Centre highlights the UAE’s commitment and support to the active participation of women in peace and security and all sectors.

Long ago I read a line that “If you are loyal to your struggle, you are bound to achieve the goal.” The launch of the Centre is in line with the goals of the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative, a joint project with the General Women’s Union, with technical support from UN Women.

Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak highlighted the UAE’s commitment to building national, regional, and global capacities of women in peace and security to contribute to an enabling environment for women, raise awareness about gender roles in peacekeeping and enhance the role of women decision-makers in the Arab region and globally.

A study surveyed 167 girls and women from 26 different countries between the ages of 10 to 32. In reviewing responses, respondents typically felt they had the most control over their education but the least control over their career.

It is no surprise then that the change these women desired most was around personal development and career. The study found that “46% of respondents identified self-reflection about who they are, self-worth, purpose in life, and connecting with their inner strengths as what brought about positive changes and meaning in their lives”.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, affirmed that the UAE, under the vision of its leadership, continues the journey started by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to provide unlimited support to Emirati women’s empowerment. “Emirati women are key contributors to national achievements and the UAE’s vision for the future.”

Asma Bint Noornabi
By email