In a significant effort to promote women’s empowerment, the Supreme Council for Women, in partnership with the General Women’s Union of the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations, organized an informational meeting in Abu Dhabi regarding the Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women’s Empowerment. This event was attended by key figures, including Dr. Lulwa Al-Awadhi, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Women, and Noura Al-Khalifa Al-Suwaidi, the Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, alongside virtual participation from Dr. Matz Dored, the Regional Director of UN Women for the Arab States.
Celebrating Women’s Initiatives
During the meeting, Dr. Al-Awadhi conveyed greetings from Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the esteemed wife of the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women. She expressed gratitude to the General Women’s Union, led by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, for hosting the event. Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized that this initiative is part of fostering the joint Bahraini-Emirati committee activities and implementing the memorandum of understanding signed between the Council and the Union, showcasing the deep-rooted cooperation between the two nations in various fields.
Acknowledging Contributions and Participation
Dr. Al-Awadhi acknowledged the efforts of the General Women’s Union in establishing effective frameworks and initiatives for Emirati women. She stated, “We appreciate the diligent efforts led by Noura Al-Suwaidi, as well as her exceptional team, in organizing this meeting. Our thanks extend to all participants, both in-person and virtually.” This engagement aimed to provide insights into the Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women’s Empowerment, highlighting its significance as a crucial initiative launched by Bahrain and supported by UN Women.
Encouraging Future Involvement
The Secretary-General expressed her hopes for active participation from governmental institutions, the private sector, civil society, and individuals in the UAE for the third edition of the award. Dr. Al-Awadhi aims for the award to serve as an incentive for continued commitment and the adoption of supportive policies and practices for women, wishing for the UAE to replicate its previous successes with outstanding initiatives, especially as Abu Dhabi Police was recognized in the first edition in 2019.
The Role of UN Women
During a recorded message, Dr. Matz Dored reaffirmed UN Women’s collaboration with Bahrain since 2019 to administer the award. He remarked that the award’s third edition positions itself as a prestigious international platform highlighting leading initiatives in the field of women’s empowerment globally. “UN Women is proud of its strategic partnership with both Bahrain and the UAE, reflecting the pioneering role these Gulf countries play in furthering sustainable development initiatives,” Dr. Dored noted.
Insights and Experiences Shared
The meeting included a presentation by Azzedine Khalil Al-Muayyad, a consultant at the Supreme Council for Women, who outlined the award’s goals, categories, eligibility criteria, and evaluation mechanisms. This presentation shed light on the impact of previous editions in supporting innovative initiatives and integrating women’s needs into development pathways, along with inspiring examples of progress achieved through the award.
The event also featured a panel discussion with previous winners from various award categories, including Dr. Amina Mohammed Al-Balooshi, founder and executive director of Miras Training and Development Center; Dr. Kalpana Sankar, head of the “Hand in Hand” Organization; Vivian Ninsima, director of gender affairs at Rocongeri Integrated Women’s Development Agency; and Dr. Tunde Adeyemi, CEO of D-Olivet Global. They shared their successful experiences, highlighting the impact of awarded initiatives within workplaces and communities.
This event reinforces the ongoing collaboration between Bahrain and the UAE, showcasing a commitment to empowering women through the renewed memorandum of understanding between the Supreme Council for Women and the General Women’s Union. The partnership aims to enhance coordination and cooperation in various areas related to supporting and empowering women, illustrating a united front in championing women’s rights and advancement across the region.