Jawaher Al Qasimi Hosts First Lady Of Zanzibar To Discuss Social Development Initiatives

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, hosted Mariam Mwinyi, First Lady of Zanzibar, at Al Badi’ Palace in Sharjah. The gathering included key leaders from Sharjah's institutions and representatives from Zanzibar's government and local organisations.

The visit by the First Lady aimed to understand Sharjah’s approach to social development. This strategy emphasises human growth, capacity-building, and empowerment to foster societal progress. By integrating institutions across various sectors like skills development, innovation, crafts, arts, and heritage, Sharjah has become a leader in social advancement both regionally and globally.

Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi praised Mariam Mwinyi for her commitment to social development in Zanzibar. She acknowledged Mwinyi's support for community groups through institutions that utilise local resources and promote sustainable businesses. She also commended Zanzibar’s recent initiatives in healthcare, education, and infrastructure for their role in advancing social and economic progress.

During their meeting, Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi and Mariam Mwinyi discussed strengthening social initiatives between their regions. They focused on investing in communities' futures by equipping people with essential skills and knowledge. Special attention was given to empowering women and youth while reinforcing family cohesion and core values.

Sheikha Jawaher reaffirmed the UAE’s strong ties with Tanzania and Zanzibar. She highlighted collaboration across various sectors, particularly supporting micro and SMEs in Zanzibar. These efforts are crucial for empowering youth and women economically while improving residents' quality of life.

"Sharjah and the UAE’s experience has shown that a united and resilient society is the foundation of nation-building and lasting success," said Sheikha Jawaher. "Therefore we place great importance on strengthening collaboration between global communities and organisations to achieve shared aspirations and goals."

A Model of Integrated Society

Mariam Mwinyi praised the UAE’s leadership for its commitment to supporting diverse social groups, especially children, youth, and women. She highlighted extensive programmes that nurture talent, unlock potential, and encourage active participation socially and economically.

Mwinyi further noted that under H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's guidance, Sharjah has emerged as a unique model of an integrated society. It combines modernity with heritage; culture with arts; business with strong social cohesion; fostering a sense of collective purpose.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

In 2024, Sheikha Jawaher visited Zanzibar to meet with the First Lady. They explored Maisha Bora Foundation's programmes aimed at empowering local communities by enhancing women's skills in utilising local resources like water as part of the green economy—an essential pillar for Zanzibar’s sustainable development.

Entities from both regions presented comprehensive strategies focusing on local and international partnerships for achieving long-term success sustainably.

The collaboration between Sharjah and Zanzibar highlights a shared commitment to fostering societal progress through empowerment initiatives. By focusing on capacity-building across various sectors such as education or healthcare while promoting sustainable practices within communities globally—both regions aim towards creating lasting positive impacts worldwide.

With inputs from WAM