Sheikha Fatima directs the implementation of an initiative to empower refugee women in the Mrajeeb Al Fhood camp in Jordan
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent “Mother of the Nation,” has directed the Emirates Red Crescent to implement an initiative to empower Syrian refugee women in the Mrajeeb Al Fhood camp in Jordan. The initiative aims to enhance their capabilities, enabling them to secure a dignified life for themselves and their families. This effort is part of the “Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women,” established through Her Highness’s generous initiative to finance projects that improve services for refugee women and enhance their humanitarian, economic, and living conditions.
The initiative, launched with Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, includes several components designed to achieve its humanitarian and developmental objectives. Among these is involving refugee women in the Mrajeeb Al Fhood camp to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and limit its spread within the camp. This will be achieved by producing protective items such as face masks, a primary preventive measure. The women will manufacture 20,000 masks at the “Umna Fatima Workshop,” established in the camp to train women in sewing and tailoring, helping them secure a stable income. The camp administration will provide raw materials like fabric, and the proceeds from these products will go directly to the refugee women.
Her Excellency Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, emphasized that the “Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women,” established by Her Highness, strengthens her continuous efforts to economically and socially empower refugee women. The fund helps improve their living standards by providing them with production tools they can manage, enabling them to generate a steady income to meet their personal and family needs.
Dr. Al Shamsi noted that Her Highness’s vision has brought about a qualitative shift in programs and projects targeting women in troubled communities, garnering widespread global praise from humanitarian organizations concerned with women and children. She added that Her Highness’s initiatives have positioned her among the leading supporters of refugees, advocating for their humanitarian causes and enhancing their capabilities.
She highlighted that Her Highness profoundly understands the challenges faced by women in refugee camps and their struggles under harsh conditions. Therefore, she has worked through numerous programs and initiatives to empower them, help them overcome difficulties, and protect them from potential risks posed by their temporary circumstances.
Dr. Al Shamsi stated that implementing the refugee women’s empowerment initiative in the Jordanian camp during Emirati Women’s Day reflects the solidarity of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and Emirati women with their refugee sisters, sharing in their hardships caused by the difficult conditions of displacement.
She added, “Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s efforts for refugee and marginalized women have drawn attention to their suffering and attracted support to address their situations in many conflict zones. These efforts have contributed to implementing projects that have improved women’s educational and professional levels and enhanced their economic, health, and psychological conditions.” She referred to the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, which provides specialized projects tailored to women’s needs during displacement and supports their stability and resettlement after crises and disasters.
Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent, praised the humanitarian leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. He described her as a symbol of boundless humanitarian generosity within the UAE and as a prominent figure in the global humanitarian landscape. He highlighted her pivotal role in addressing fundamental humanitarian issues, particularly empowering women and children affected by wars, conflicts, and crises. He added that Her Highness’s initiatives have significantly elevated the care and attention given to these vulnerable groups.
He also noted that the Emirates Red Crescent, under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra Region, prioritizes capacity-building projects and sustainable initiatives for victims of crises and disasters. These projects are viewed as innovative solutions to meet the increasing demands of humanitarian work due to ongoing events and their civilian casualties. He affirmed that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan consistently directs the adoption of impactful projects that quickly improve lives and alleviate human suffering.
The Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent highlighted that the organization has developed comprehensive plans to ensure the success of the Syrian refugee women’s empowerment project in the Mrajeeb Al Fhood camp, aligning it with the celebration of Emirati Women’s Day. He emphasized that the initiative represents a qualitative shift in services provided to refugees in the camp, offering an innovative and pioneering solution to enhance their capacities by equipping them with production tools that help ease their lives and improve their economic and social conditions.
