UAE's Sheikha Fatima Initiative Introduces Fourth Cohort For Women's Empowerment In Peace And Security

The General Women's Union, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, welcomed the fourth cohort of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security initiative cadets. This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC, underscores the UAE's commitment to enhancing women's roles in fostering dialogue, peace, security, and development.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak expressed her pride in the UAE's achievements in promoting women's leadership and effective participation in peace and security sectors. She emphasised that this initiative embodies the enlightened vision of the UAE's leadership, reflecting their belief in the pivotal role of women in all fields as a cornerstone of societal development.

Military personnel from 10 countries are participating in the fourth cohort: the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, Tanzania, The Gambia, Liberia, Pakistan, Kosovo, and Kyrgyz Republic. The training programme, which continues until September, aims to build and develop women's capabilities in peace and security.

The programme seeks to create collaborative networks, increase women's representation in military and peacekeeping forces, and enhance operational effectiveness. Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, stated that this initiative aligns with the UAE's commitment to supporting women's vital roles in conflict zones.

The Khawla Bint Al Azwar Military School in Abu Dhabi will host a comprehensive peace and security training programme. This includes Jiu-Jitsu, physical fitness, military security, police security, internal security, peace building, weapons training, intelligence, military topography, battle skills, field skills, patrols, chemical warfare, combat in built-up areas, field engineering, combat medics training, and infantry tactics.

The training programme aims to open non-traditional career paths for women and inspire them to join national security forces and peacekeeping operations. It also supports the development of interpersonal skills such as leadership skills and public speaking.

Empowering Women Globally

Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the General Women's Union, expressed great pride at the launch of the fourth cohort. She noted that the UAE is leveraging its expertise to empower women globally by promoting the women, peace, and security agenda under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

An introductory session was held for participating cadets to introduce the Sheikha Fatma bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative and its objectives. Opening speeches were delivered by Al-Anoud Yousef and Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi. David Fernandez led a discussion on "Education for Peace."

Global Cooperation

Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi highlighted that enhancing women's participation and leadership in security matters is necessary given global conflicts and regional security threats. Experience shows that involving women in peacebuilding leads to more sustainable results.

UN Women welcomes continued cooperation with the UAE within this initiative to empower women in peace and security. The UAE is an active partner in increasing the number of women qualified to work in the military sector and achieving strategic goals set by UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

With inputs from WAM