At the Global Summit of Women in Dubai: Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi Highlights the Efforts of “Mother of the Nation” in Economically Empowering Refugee Women
Her Excellency Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, participated in the 33rd Global Summit of Women, which commenced today in Dubai and will continue for three days under the theme “Women: Leading a New Climate of Change.” The summit is organized by the Global Women’s Institute for Research and Education, headquartered in Washington, and chaired by Her Excellency Irene Natividad.
Ministers, government representatives, officials from agencies, companies, and governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as over 900 participants from 72 countries, attended the Global Summit.
During her speech at the summit, Her Excellency Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi highlighted the efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, in economically empowering refugee women. She began her speech by conveying the greetings of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the leader of women’s advancement in the UAE, emphasizing that Her Highness closely monitors all issues concerning women, not only in the UAE but worldwide.
Her Excellency pointed out that Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak is one of the pioneers of humanitarian work in the UAE and a leader in extending assistance to the vulnerable and needy worldwide. Through her principles and vision of humanity, construction, and development, Her Highness has contributed, in collaboration with humanitarian organizations such as the Emirates Red Crescent, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and numerous other local, regional, and international entities, to providing support for women to empower them economically.
Her Excellency added that Her Highness believes that enhancing women’s ability to overcome challenges enables them to face future obstacles. She emphasized that women are the key to global peace and that economic and social development cannot be achieved without focusing on human development.
Dr. Maitha also discussed the contributions of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, established in 2003 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent and the UNHCR. She explained that the fund’s vision is to create a world where refugee women can access opportunities and resources, enabling them to live with dignity, security, and hope. The fund provides comprehensive support, including education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, to help refugee women rebuild their lives and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
Her Excellency highlighted initiatives Her Highness Sheikha Fatima led to empower displaced and refugee women in various countries. These initiatives include establishing sewing workshops, handicrafts projects, and food production industries, all aimed at encouraging women’s self-reliance by helping them create their businesses to ensure a dignified life for themselves and their families.
