As part of the Preliminary Programme for the Fatima bint Mubarak Motherhood and Childhood Forum on Mental Health

The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood Organises a Discussion Session on the “Emirati Women Chapter”

The session, hosted by Rym Abdullah Al Falasy, discussed the achievements of the programme's participants.

Rym Abdullah Al Falasy: My first inspiration is H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation’," a pioneer in empowering Emirati women.

Abu Dhabi,       of June /// The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in collaboration with PureHealth organized a session hosted by Her Excellency Rym Abdullah Al Falasy, Secretary-General of the Council. The discussion centred on the "Emirati Women Chapter" (EWC), highlighting the significant achievements and prominent roles attained by Emirati women in various sectors. These accomplishments have been made possible through the steadfast support and nurturing of the wise leadership, coupled with the dedicated efforts of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation’, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), continuously advocating for and advancing the status of women in the UAE.

This session was part of the preliminary program for the Fatima bint Mubarak Motherhood and Childhood Forum on Mental Health, which will take place on October 10th in Abu Dhabi. The forum aims to foster a comprehensive dialogue on mental health issues related to motherhood and childhood in the UAE, focusing on children, adolescents, families, and women. It aims to promote community-based approaches to raise awareness, provide support, offer effective solutions, exchange experiences, discuss relevant policies, and enhance cooperation among concerned entities.

The EWC programme, launched by PureHealth in collaboration with the General Women's Union last March, aims to ensure that ambitious Emirati women receive proper training, continuous learning, and professional guidance to support them in achieving their dreams. The programme is designed to empower Emirati women in all sectors, beyond just healthcare, by teaching them the skills needed to excel in their professional and personal lives.

In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Rym Abdullah Al Falasy shared her experience in public sector and her leadership role in managing the Council. She emphasised that her primary inspiration is Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, a pioneer in empowering Emirati women and the foremost supporter of their rights and roles in sustainable development. For decades, Sheikha Fatima has nurtured and supported Emirati women, providing opportunities for them to become active participants in their communities and major contributors to the nation's progress and sustainable development.

Her Excellency presented the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood's strategy, highlighting key projects for the current year, with the Fatima bint Mubarak Motherhood and Childhood Forum on Mental Health at the forefront. This forum will be a launching point for further initiatives supporting women and children, contributing to the cohesion of Emirati families as the fundamental building block of society and nurturing future generations capable of carrying the nation's banner and continuing its successful journey toward achieving its aspirations.

She stated that empowering women, enhancing their skills and capabilities in various fields, and giving them the roles they deserve undoubtedly impact their mental health on both individual and collective levels. Successful, active, and influential role models who perform their duties efficiently and take on responsibilities effectively inspire and encourage women across the nation to take the initiative, overcome barriers, and strive for greater contributions, excellence, and success.

She emphasised that the UAE today represents one of the world's leading models in empowering women and providing opportunities for them to take on leadership roles in various fields—politically as ministers and parliamentarians, legally as judges, lawyers, and prosecutors, and administratively as directors and senior officials. This is thanks to the wise leadership's support, which has established a legislative environment that ensures equal opportunities for women and men.

The session featured Dr. Beatrice Hinkel, an expert in self-leadership, who stressed the importance of women understanding their unique skills and capabilities and setting goals based on these strengths. She explained the concept of self-leadership as an inherent quality linked to the mind, spirit, and body.

Nirvana Yahya, a strategic performance coach, discussed the numerous roles women play in their environments, at home, with family, at work, and in the community, enabling them to make significant impacts and qualify for leadership roles that make a real difference. Athlete and trainer Ahd Shehab highlighted the relationship between physical movement and happiness hormones, explaining how muscle activity generates happiness hormones and how we can control our lives and happiness through awareness of physical performance.

The speakers shared their achievements at various stages of their lives and the levels they have reached in their development journey within the EWC programme. They also answered questions and exchanged ideas to ensure the added value of their personal achievements for those around them.

The session, attended by Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth, highlighted the impactful mentorship programme designed to assist Emirati women in reaching their personal and professional aspirations. This initiative not only offers guidance and support but also equips participants with the skills to mentor others, fostering a cycle of success and empowerment among Emirati women.

Asif outlined that the programme is divided into two distinct tracks. The first is dedicated to talent and personal passion development, engaging 10 Emirati women in areas such as sports, poetry, writing, medical programme development, and community-enhancing initiatives. The second track focuses on self-efficiency development, involving 18 Emirati women. This track is designed to bolster self-skills and personal strengths, with each participant receiving tailored coaching to enhance her personality, showcase her attributes, and develop her skills through mentorship in her chosen field. The ultimate aim is to unlock potential, fuel ambition, and promote active participation in national development, inspiring others to pursue and realise their dreams.

PureHealth will also host the next "the Remarkable Emirati Women summit" in October, continuing its commitment to the advancement and empowerment of women in the UAE.