Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, the leading national entity for development aid, celebrated the third annual Emirati Women’s Day, themed ‘Women are Partners in Giving,’ with an inspirational seminar to coincide with the UAE’s ‘Year of Giving’ initiative.

The seminar featured two distinguished and influential Emirati women including Dr. Mouza Obaid Ghanim Ghubash, Chairwoman of the Rewaq Ousha bint Hussein Cultural Centre, and Dr. Maryam Matar, Founder and Chairperson of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association.

Welcoming the panellists to ADFD’s headquarters, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, said, "The Fund is proud to host Emirati women of your calibre. Your individual achievements have rivalled and often surpassed those of your male counterparts. Your combined efforts in more ways than one have paved the way for young Emirati women to hope, reach, and achieve more. I encourage our audience today to learn from your insights that will help shape their own future goals and ultimately ensure a positive impact on the UAE’s development.

"H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has proclaimed that this national occasion should be celebrated every year on 28th August. Over the last three years, ADFD has celebrated Emirati women achievers on this occasion and invited them to share their invaluable cross-industry experience and knowledge for the benefit of our nation’s young men and women.

"Under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, our nation has notched up several milestones in promoting gender equality. Furthermore, with the strategic counsel of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development’s Board of Directors, the Fund proudly employs 37 women, 35 of whom are Emirati. Four of the 35 hold senior managerial positions and are board members of companies in which ADFD has an investment stake," he added.

Speaking about her academic and professional journey as an Emirati woman, Dr. Mouza, said that today Emirati women face no obstacles, instead, they play a proactive role in an educated and tolerant UAE society. She noted that growing up, her generation had to pave the way for change and with the support of family members, she was among the first to complete her university studies abroad. She also lauded the ongoing efforts by the UAE government and institutions in educating the public on the importance of empowering women.

Reaffirming the significant contributions of Emirati women to society, science, and economy, Dr. Maryam said that Emirati women are determined and resilient and have considerably helped transform the country. She highlighted the monumental role Emirati men played in empowering and supporting Emirati women.