ABU DHABI: The General Women’s Union, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 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), (Mother of the Nation), 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, both nationally and globally.
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak expressed her pride in the UAE’s achievements in promoting women’s leadership and effective participation in the 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, create collaborative and supportive networks, increase women’s representation in the military and peacekeeping forces, and enhance operational effectiveness.
Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, said, “Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s initiative to empower women in peace and security aligns with the UAE’s commitment to supporting the vital roles of women in conflict zones. Women are essential in achieving peace and security. The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing all necessary support to ensure the success of this initiative, including military training programmes supervised by the Khawla Bint Al-Azwar Military School.”
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, inspiring them to join national security forces and peacekeeping operations. It also supports the development of interpersonal skills, including leadership skills, public speaking, and reinforces cadets’ belief in their ability to achieve.
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. She
ikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
An introductory session was held for the participating cadets to introduce the Sheikha Fatma bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative and its objectives, highlighting the role of peace in achieving sustainable development and peaceful coexistence. Opening speeches were delivered by Al-Anoud Yousef, Acting Executive Director of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Center for Women, Peace, and Security, and Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi, Director, UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC. David Fernandez, Permanent Observer, United Nations University for Peace, led a discussion on “Education for Peace.”
Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi said, “In light of global conflicts and regional security threats, enhancing women’s participation and leadership in security matters is necessary. Experience shows that involving women in peacebuilding and conflict prevention leads to more sustainable results, supporting post-conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery. UN Women welcomes continued cooperation with
the UAE within the framework of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative to empower women in peace and security, supporting women’s leadership and building global women’s cadres in this vital sector.”
The UAE is an active partner in enhancing women’s participation in security and peace, increasing the number of women qualified to work in the military sector, and achieving the strategic goals of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
Source: Emirates News Agency