UAE Embassy In Paris Bolsters Support For Victims Of Domestic Violence With Léa Solidarité Femmes

The UAE Embassy in Paris has renewed its collaboration with Léa Solidarité Femmes (LSF), a charity dedicated to aiding women and children facing domestic and family violence. This partnership, which began in 2022, initially supported the establishment of "Maison Solidarité Femmes 91," an emergency shelter that has since housed over 80 women and children.

In 2023, LSF's anti-poverty services reached more than 1,500 women, providing essential items and a safe environment for those affected by domestic violence. The renewed support from the UAE Embassy will further enhance these services and allow for the refurbishment of the Maison Solidarité Femmes premises.

The embassy's continued backing will also facilitate the hiring of two new professionals: a clinical psychologist and an early childhood educator. This addition aims to bolster the support system for women and children at LSF.

Hend Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to France, emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating, "The renewal of this partnership highlights the importance attached by the UAE to the empowerment of women and the protection of children as key facets for social cohesion. The Embassy is pleased to contribute to the UAE's international actions to support women and children and to reaffirm its commitments to the centre, particularly as the need for such support continues to grow."

The embassy has also announced an organised trip to the UAE for several women and children supported by LSF. This visit will allow them to experience Emirati culture and learn about values such as women's empowerment and child protection, inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

A lunch event was held as part of the renewal announcement, featuring activities for children that celebrated sports values promoted by the UAE in anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Additionally, a visit was arranged to the UAE’s Olympic House in Paris.

Olympic House Visit

This visit enabled LSF-supported women and children to gain insights into Emirati culture. Three Emirati athletes—Maha Abdullah Al Shehi, Safia Al Sayegh, and Yousef Rashid Al Matroushi—were present to share their experiences in sports and their Olympic journeys.

The UAE Olympic House exemplifies national values like tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and solidarity while embodying Olympic spirit. The venue showcases UAE customs, innovative spirit, and hospitality dedication.

Commitment from Both Sides

Patricia Rouff, founder and director of Léa Solidarité Femmes, expressed gratitude towards this enduring partnership: "We are honoured by the trust placed in us by the United Arab Emirates. It is with partners who are committed to the long term that we can carry out our mission to provide better support for women and children who are victims of domestic violence."

She added appreciation for a day filled with solidarity and sport: "We would like to thank the embassy once again for this exceptional day of solidarity and sport."

This ongoing collaboration between LSF and the UAE Embassy underscores a shared commitment to supporting vulnerable groups through practical assistance and cultural exchange initiatives.

With inputs from WAM