A UAE newspaper has said that the first Mother of the Nation Festival that began on Thursday is a perfect tribute to the vision of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

"Fittingly, the 10-day event, which is the biggest national, cultural and social occasion organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, welcomes families and individuals from all walks of life," said The Gulf Today in an editorial on Friday.

"Its activities focus on the role of the mother in promoting family cohesion and maintaining the authentic values and customs of the community.

Sheikha Fatima’s generous contributions to charity and humanitarian work and her support for Emirati and Arab families have been recognised by one and all as exemplary. She works tirelessly to enlighten women, empower them through education and training and provide the opportunity for them to demonstrate their capabilities. The Mother of the Nation always held a firm belief that women’s empowerment is a strategic objective to achieve peace.

As she herself mentioned once, "I will always support women, wherever they are, as they are the key to peace in today’s world. Women are able to spread and instil a culture of peace in the spirit of the coming generations. In today’s world, which faces much unrest and disputes, we are in a severe need to spread the culture of peace, as well as teaching them the meaning of peace and how to accomplish it. I see that educated women can achieve peace."

Ever since the Union was announced, she has always participated with the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in encouraging UAE women to pursue education and work opportunities.

"The results of her tireless efforts are showing," added the daily.

"The UAE is ranked among the leading countries on gender equality in the Arab world, according to the report on the gender gap in 2014, released by the World Economic Forum. It noted that Emirati women and men are equal partners in society, citing the growing role of Emirati women in business and public services.

"Emirati women have the same rights of access to work and enjoy all the healthcare facilities and family welfare opportunities.

"What is significant is that the Mother of the Nation Festival sheds light on the vision of Sheikha Fatima, which is based on consolidation of the importance of family bonds, and promotion of cultural diversity and tolerance among the members of the UAE community," concluded the Sharjah-based daily.

Source:WAM