The First Lady of Pakistan: Sheikha Fatima’s Women and Peace Initiative is a global model for preparing women’s cadres

Abu Dhabi, November 20 / WAM / The General Women’s Union received Mrs. Asifa Bhutto Zardari, First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on an official visit to review women’s empowerment programs and initiatives in the UAE.

At the forefront of her reception was Her Excellency Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the General Women’s Union, who welcomed the visit, stressing the depth of bilateral relations between the UAE and the Republic of Pakistan, and the distinguished position of women in the development process of the two countries.

During the meeting, the General Women’s Union reviewed its most prominent efforts and pioneering programs in the areas of women’s empowerment, which are being implemented under the generous directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates”, President of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

The First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan also reviewed Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s initiative to empower women in peace and security, which was launched by the Union under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates,” in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and in partnership with UN Women, to be a global model in preparing and qualifying female cadres capable of contributing effectively to peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.

The First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan also met with the participants in the fifth batch of the initiative, and learned about its success since its launch in 2019. Over the course of five batches, the initiative was able to train more than 700 trainees from 25 countries around the world at the Khawla Bint Al Azwar Military Academy for Women in Abu Dhabi.

The integrated training program, which extends for three months, included a wide range of practical skills, such as internal security, safety, peacekeeping, and personal management, in addition to training in weapons, intelligence, military topography, and communications, battle, field, and patrol skills, the art of leadership, and chemical defense, in addition to combat in built-up areas, coexistence training, field engineering, and infantry movements, as well as jiu-jitsu and physical fitness training, military and police security, and combat ambulance, which reflects the comprehensiveness and impact of the initiative in preparing female cadres. Qualified and competent.

Mrs. Asifa Bhutto Zardari also visited Al-Jawhara Hall, the exceptional edifice established in 1999 in the General Women’s Union, which houses awards and high honors given to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates,” in recognition of her pioneering role in empowering women and defending their issues locally and globally, in addition to her humanitarian, charitable, cultural and social contributions.

The visit included a tour of the Union’s permanent exhibition, in addition to a visit to the heritage tent designated for hospitality, to learn about the Emirati heritage and traditional crafts that the Emirati community cherishes.

During her visit, Mrs. Asifa Bhutto Zardari, First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, praised the UAE’s qualitative programs and integrated initiatives to support women in light of the support and directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates.”

The First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan stressed the importance of the leadership role of women in society, noting that empowering women and providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills in the fields of peace and security represents a vital investment in building the future and promoting sustainable development.

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s initiative to empower women in peace and security was considered a global model to be emulated in preparing female cadres capable of contributing effectively to building peace and maintaining security at the national and international levels.

This visit embodies the keenness of the UAE and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to strengthen frameworks of joint cooperation in the field of women’s empowerment, exchange experiences and learn about best practices in supporting the role of women in society, which contributes to strengthening joint women’s work at the regional and international levels.

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