We’re sure you’ve heard of International Women’s Day, but have you heard of Emirati Women’s Day? Here is everything you need to know about the special occasion so you can celebrate with the Emirati women in your life.
Founded in 2015 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Emirati Women’s Day is a day to commemorate and celebrate Emirati women. Celebrated yearly on August 28, this day is a chance to recognise the impact and accomplishments Emirati women have had on UAE society.
It is also an opportunity to reflect on progress within the country and how Emirati women have had a crucial role in achieving that. This day is one of the many ways the UAE commits to gender equality, as it not only celebrates women, but also platforms and supports them.
Every year, Emirati Women’s Day comes with a theme and this year is no different. Keeping in line with the UAE’s national initiative, ‘The Year of Community’, this year’s Emirati Women’s Day theme is ‘Hand in Hand, Celebrating the 50th’. This theme marks 50 years since the establishment of the General Women’s Union, which was established on 28 August 1975.
The theme was announced by Emirati Women’s Day Founder, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, who is also the Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and is considered the “Mother of the Nation”.
Since its established in 1975, the General Women’s Union has been championing women’s rights and leadership in the UAE. By creating programs that foster community, the GWU helps to advocate and support Emirati women locally, regionally, and internationally.
