The great gains that Emirati women have made, in life fields without exception, during the past few decades of the federation of the United Arab Emirates, in terms of unparalleled rights and opportunities, and great confidence in their abilities, given to them by the wise leadership of the country, which began with the founding leader Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God bless him and grant her success, until she became a teacher, doctor, employee, leader, minister, ambassador, speaker of parliament, and many other positions, leading to an astronaut.

The march of women’s work in the Emirates began during the reign of Sheikh Zayed, on February 8, 1973 with the birth of the Abu Dhabi Women’s Renaissance Association, to be the first women's gathering on the country's land, then the General Women's Union was established on August 28, 1975, to be the first comprehensive organization for women in the UAE. His Chair, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority "Mother of the Emirates".

Women leaders in the country affirmed that Emirati women are "Bint Zayed" and "half of society", and more than half of it according to statistics, and that they have not lost sight of achieving victories, and stood side by side with statesmen in the renaissance, urbanization and the comprehensive development that has been achieved for the country over 50 Years of the union’s life.

A reminder of noble principles

The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, and the former Chair of the Advisory Council in Sharjah, Dr. Khawla Abdul Rahman Al-Mulla, said that Zayed Day for Humanitarian Work is an occasion to commemorate the founder of the state, may God rest his soul, and to review his rich career in charitable work.

She added: “The 19th of Ramadan has become a national event to remind young generations of the noble concepts and principles established by the founder of the state. The Sheikh Zayed School in humanitarian work is a source of renewed inspiration for the whole world, not just for the people of the Emirates.” She indicated that Zayed's legacy is reflected in pioneering programs and initiatives. Among them are those that have empowered Emirati women and cemented their position in society.

Daughters of Zayed and education

In turn, the Director General of the Emirates Foundation for School Education, Dr. Rab'a Al-Sumaiti, said that the efforts of Sheikh Zayed that accompanied the founding of the UAE had a great impact on increasing faith in the role of women and their ability to lead development in the Emirates, as he sought since the early founding of the Union to empower women through urging Society should make room for females to have the opportunity to enroll in education.

She explained that the wise and forward-looking vision of the late, devoted a great space to developing the skills, knowledge and tools of Emirati women.

She said, “As we remember Sheikh Zayed, we stand in front of Khaled’s legacy, which recounted various fields and humanitarian concerns at the local, Arab and global levels. He believed in human beings regardless of their origins and beliefs, and set the finest examples in giving, giving, providing assistance and relief to the unfortunate.”