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Women’s empowerment: 23 quotes from the Mother of the Nation

Quote from HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, to celebrate Emirati Women's Day, curated by Aurora50. “The right to equality is a right guaranteed to UAE women.”|Quote from HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, to celebrate Emirati Women's Day, curated by Aurora50. “I am confident that the participation of Emirati women in preparing for the next 50 years will be invaluable and influential, as they are competent and capable in achieving our nation’s goals and aspirations.”|Quote from HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, to celebrate Emirati Women's Day, curated by Aurora50. “Prominent female figures will be leading the charge during COP28, setting an example through our sustainable approach to recognising the competence, excellence and creativity of Emirati women.
Suzanne Locke 15 August 2023
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HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak is Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and known as the ‘Mother of the Nation’.
HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi is the wife of the late UAE founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who prioritised gender equality.
She is seen as the pioneer of women’s work in the UAE and a huge supporter of women’s rights and advancement.
Since the 1960s, HH Sheikha Fatima has encouraged women to receive an education and to join the workforce.
She established the first women’s association in 1973, then the General Women’s Union in 1975, the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in 2003 and the Family Development Foundation in 2006.
She chairs all three and is also the Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent.
HH Sheikha Fatima was born in the Al Hayer area of Al Ain City, to a Bedouin family.
She is mother to six sons and two daughters:
  1. HH General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, her first son
  2. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafrah region of Abu Dhabi Emirate
  3. HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi
  4. HH Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Advisor
  5. HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Court
  6. HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE
  7. HH Sheikha Shamma bint Zayed Al Nahyan
  8. HH Sheikha Al-Yaziya bint Zayed Al Nahyan
In 2017 she was honoured by UN Women, a global champion for gender equality, for for her efforts in the UAE to promote female equality and empowerment.
She has also been given the titles ‘Mother of Sheikhs’ and Mother of the Arabs’.
Here are 23 quotes celebrating the Mother of the Nation on Emirati Women’s Day.
“With all pride, I say that equality today is guaranteed for women in the UAE.”
“The UAE has made gender balance an integral part of the nation’s social culture.”
“My ambition to achieve more gains and achievements for Emirati women is limitless.”
“The right to equality is a right guaranteed to UAE women.”
“Emirati women have proved they are worthy of their responsibilities and the leadership’s trust and support.”
“The concept of the empowerment of women in the UAE is no longer a mere linguistic term or a theory. It is a reality.”
“Emirati women have achieved successes that inspired the entire world. Today, they have aspirations and ambitions to create a prosperous and sustainable future.”
“The [Emirati] woman now works in all fields. She has managed to change many social perceptions and to prove to the whole world her capability, success and excellence.”
“The active participation of women in all areas in now clear to see in every facet of Emirati society.”
“I believe that women are able to participate in all business fields, proficiently and efficiently.”
“Emirati women have proven to everyone that they are capable of supporting the country under all circumstances.”
“I am confident that the participation of Emirati women in preparing for the next 50 years will be invaluable and influential, as they are competent and capable in achieving our nation’s goals and aspirations.”
“Emirati women have always been a cornerstone of the country’s present and future, and all relevant achievements on the ground are the fruits of the hard work that involved their participation.”
“Prominent female figures will be leading the charge during COP28, setting an example through our sustainable approach to recognising the competence, excellence and creativity of Emirati women.”
“Emirati women play an active role in the various areas of national action through their positive contribution to the country’s economic, social and cultural transformations.”
“A woman today is no longer bound by her traditional role at home, as wider horizons are open before her; now she is an active member of society.”
“I salute women who have worked to excel as members of their families or mothers who help raise the world’s future generations.”
“I would like to express my appreciation to all women who have shown dedication in driving their countries’ development and bringing about a brighter future.”
“I have always believed that mothers are the backbone of nations. Inside every mother is a nation full of love and authenticity.”
“Emirati women are responsible for raising future generations.”
“Education is the window through which women look at civilisations. Education is… the continued advancement of our society.”
“Among the most prominent gains of women under the Union are education and employment.”
“Mothers are the primary teachers who raise the nation’s men and women.”

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