Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance and President of Zayed University, has said that Emirati women are receiving considerable attention from the wise leadership, confirming that they are a key element in the nation’s journey of development and an essential partner in nation-building, along with men.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency, WAM, on the occasion of the annual Emirati Women’s Day on 28th August, held this year under the slogan, 'Woman are Partners in Giving', and launched by the Mother of the UAE, the minister added that Emirati women have accomplished many goals in numerous fields, especially in vital areas of national priority and international concern, while highlighting that they have set an important example as mothers in encouraging their children to serve the country and protect its dignity.

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi explained that the empowerment of Emirati women is not a new concept, but that it had started with the establishment of Union with the desire of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to empower women and provide them with educational opportunities.

Regarding her assessment of the achievements of Emirati women and her future vision, in light of the considerable support of the wise leadership since the establishment of the Union by the late Sheikh Zayed, and the methodology adopted by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi said that Emirati women have received significant attention from the Founder of the UAE and the creator of its modern renaissance, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who always stressed that women are an essential element of the country’s journey of development, along with her role as a partner in building the nation.

She added that women are currently receiving considerable care and attention from President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces to further develop their standing in the country.

She stressed that their achievements are represented by the presence of eight ministers in the UAE Government, along with Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council, as the first woman to head a parliament in the Arab region, as well as the presence of many Emirati women in the industry, space, aviation, energy, judicial, education and health sectors, among other vital areas.

Sheikha Lubna said that according to statistics issued by the Federal Authority, within the framework of the UAE’s interest in gender balance, women occupy 47 percent of the leadership and supervisory positions in the country. Women also hold 61 percent of administrative jobs, 72 percent of jobs in the health sector, 69 percent in the education sector, 13 percent in the judiciary, 29 percent in the diplomatic corps, and 23 percent in specialised professional positions.

Celebrating Emirati Women’s Day is considered an honour to the leading and efficient women in the country who support the nation’s local, regional and international journey, she continued, adding that, "When we take a look at the reality of Emirati women, we can see that they are receiving great support from the UAE leadership and government. This motivates them to continue performing their roles in serving the community and the comprehensive development of the nation."

"As an Emirati woman, I believe that Emirati Women’s Day is a medal of honour for us and a day to appreciate and recognise women in the UAE, who have contributed in building the community," she emphasised Commenting on H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s support to Emirati women, she expressed her gratitude to the Mother of the UAE and highlighted the efforts made by her in ensuring the success of Emirati women in the public and private sector. Her Highness personally ensures that the environment is conducive for the development of women’s skills, and results in a contribution to national work and sustainable development, Sheikha Lubna added.

She explained that the support of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for women in the UAE, the Arab world and globally, has become known both near and far, as women, for Sheikha Fatima, have enthusiastically taken on their role in the journey of social advancement and community service.

Regarding the current examples of Emirati women that bring pride to the nation, and her words to the mothers of martyrs on this national occasion, she said, "The mother of the martyr should be proud on Emirati Women’s Day, as she had set, as a mother, the most wonderful example in offering her children for the pride and dignity of the nation. The mother of the martyr gave birth to heroes, who honoured their promises and gave their souls, for the UAE’s flag to always fly high."

Regarding her message to Emirati women on this national occasion, as a pioneering Emirati woman herself, she said, "My message to the Emirati woman is to be proud of this immense celebration of a notable day in the UAE, and to always meet the expectations of the leadership, government and people of the country, by dedicating their capabilities, energies, expertise, knowledge and skills to the service of the nation and its regional and international pioneering, and to realise our future needs and double our efforts and continue our diligent work in serving the people and humanity, while being inspired by the thought and vision of the wise leadership."