GENEVA: The Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee has signed two new agreements with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) at its headquarters in Geneva.
The first agreement renews their partnership for three years to support refugee women, while the second launches a US$1 million project to provide sustainable shelter for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Burkina Faso and Chad, benefiting around 871 families.
The agreements were signed by Dominique Hyde, Director of External Relations at UNHCR, and Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC). The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee, among other officials.
This collaboration follows a discussion on the successes of previous projects funded by the Sheikha Fatima Fund and explores new ways to support refugee women and their families through sustainable development initiatives.
In her remark
s, Dr. Al Shamsi conveyed the greetings of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak ‘Mother of the Nation’, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
She also emphasised that the fund, in collaboration with the ERC and UNHCR, is committed to empowering refugee women. The fund aims to provide education, healthcare, and skills development to help women live with dignity and security.
For his part, Al Mansouri praised the Sheikha Fatima Fund as a pioneering initiative that has previously implemented numerous programmes to strengthen the capacities of women in refugee and displacement contexts. He noted that Sheikha Fatima established the fund in 2000, recognising the harsh conditions and risks faced by displaced women and the need for initiatives to improve their lives.
Hyde, in turn, noted the increasing displacement crises worldwide and the disproportionate impact on women and girls, emphasisin
g the importance of solidarity and collaboration in addressing their urgent needs.
Source: Emirates News Agency
