Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Advocates For Changing Stereotypes Of Arab Women At Global Women’s Forum

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, attended the third Global Women’s Forum Dubai. Organised by the Dubai Women Establishment, the event is themed ‘The Power of Influence’ and is held at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. It is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

During her keynote speech, Sheikha Latifa celebrated Arab women's achievements from history to today. Her address highlighted their significant contributions across various fields and their role in societal prosperity. She emphasised changing outdated stereotypes about Arab women, reaffirming their leadership in driving progress.

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Sheikha Latifa underscored Arab women's courage in challenging fields like education, health, and diplomacy. Despite these demands, they remain rooted in values reflecting strength and dignity. Their determination has paved the way for women to become pioneers across various domains.

Highlighting historical roles, Sheikha Latifa noted Arab women's contributions since Islam's beginning. They entered medicine, earning recognition for treating battle wounds and developing remedies. They established the first field hospital and achieved milestones like piloting planes in 1933 and becoming astronauts in 2021.

Sheikha Latifa paid tribute to Sheikha Hessa bint Al Murr, a trusted advisor to Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum. Renowned for her business management expertise, Sheikha Hessa was a visionary leader shaping Dubai’s economic landscape. Her council became a vital space for guidance.

She also expressed appreciation for every Emirati woman leaving a lasting mark across sectors. Reflecting on her grandmother's legacy, she recounted cherished moments shared by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with his mother, known for herbal treatment expertise.

The Global Women’s Forum Impact

The Global Women’s Forum serves as an international platform convening leaders to spotlight women’s pivotal contributions. This year features over 60 sessions led by 100 speakers focusing on themes like ‘Future Economies’ and ‘Impactful Technology.’ The forum highlights inspiring global female leaders reinforcing women as progress drivers.

This edition brings together national and international partners from public and private sectors including Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Cultural Partner), Emirates Airlines (Official Carrier), ADNOC (Energy Partner), Emirates Global Aluminium (Economy Platform Partner), E& (Technology Partner), Cartier Women’s Initiative (Supporting Partner), and Mediclinic (Official Health Partner).

Recognising Arab Women's Strength

Sheikha Latifa called for correcting outdated stereotypes about Arab women, emphasising celebrating their inspiring stories. She highlighted that Arab women are enduring symbols of strength who thrive in societies valuing their contributions where their voices are heard.

In particular, she paid tribute to Palestinian women saluting their steadfastness embodying sacrifice's essence. Her speech concluded by emphasising uniting efforts globally to support women's achievements free from stereotypes leveraging immense influence across all sectors.

The Global Women’s Forum has become a defining event since its debut in 2016 hosted by the Dubai Women Establishment. With remarkable success in 2020, it continues showcasing Dubai’s commitment to championing women’s contributions on the global stage.

With inputs from WAM