RTA celebrates women’s achievements on Emirati Women’s Day

The Women Committee of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) celebrated the Emirati Women’s Day, which took place this year under the theme “Preparing for the Next 50: Women in Support of the Nation”. 

The committee held a discussion panel in which Her Excellency Maryam Majid bin Theneya, Member of the Federal National Council, and Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO of the Primary Health Care Services Sector at the Dubai Health Authority took part. Dr. Aysha Al-Busumait, Director of Government Communication at the Federal Transport Authority - Land and Maritime, moderated the session. Attendees included Moaza Al Marri, Executive Director, Office of the Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, Chairperson of RTA’s Women Committee, as well as around 100 representatives of women committees from 14 Government entities in Dubai and scores of RTA female employees. 

At the start of the panel, Moaza Al Marri welcomed the participants and expressed delight with the Emirati Women’s Day, which has become a source of pride and inspiration for every female citizen. She noted that the day had become an event to highlight the achievements of Emirati women and their tangible contribution to the development drive of the UAE in a variety of fields. 

“The Emirati women have exhibited great abilities in coping with challenges, striking a balance between social and professional life and assuming social responsibility under all conditions. They also demonstrated exceptional ability while playing an active role in the first-defence line tackling Covid-19. Emirati women have set a exceptional example in giving, sacrificing and dedication besides assuming their family and social duties during these extreme conditions engulfing the entire world,” commented Al Marri. 

“Women are effective partners with their male counterparts across all fields, responsibilities and achievements that raise the profile of the nation. The planning for the Next 50 constitutes a new beginning for Emirati women to drive further the achievements of the UAE. It also envisages enhancing the engagement of women in local, regional and global events, and nurturing a competent generation capable of bringing more achievements across the board,” she continued. 

“Under the leadership of His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, the Board of Executive Directors was keen to foster a suitable working environment to promote the abilities of female employees in achieving RTA’s goals and strategies. The number of female Emiratis employed by the RTA reached 682 employees constituting 83% of the total number of 819 female employees. Moreover, Emirati women assume several key positions at the RTA,” explained Al Marri.

During the session, attendees asked several questions focusing on the experiences of Her Excellency Maryam Majid bin Thaniya and Dr. Manal Tariam about the projected role of women in the Next 50-Year Strategy and how to translate the theme of (Women in Support of the Nation) into a reality. Discussions also touched on the challenges encountered by Emirati women while coping with the outbreak of Covid-19, the balance between family and office duties, and the prospective role of Emirati women in shaping the future of the homeland. 

“Since the establishment of the Federation, the empowerment of women was a high priority of the UAE leadership represented then by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who envisaged women’s role as a partner in building and realising the aspirations of the nation. The Emirati government has a flexible system that enables changes to legislations and resolutions to empower women in the social, economic and political fields and make them ultra-competitive considering their short life experience,” said Maryam bin Theneya.

“Over the past years, there were several resolutions with immense contribution to the empowerment of women highlighted by the Royal Decree of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan dedicating half of the seats of the Federal National Council to women. Such a decree constituted massive support of the political representation of women, and reflected considerably on the parliamentarian practice in matters relating to family and women affairs.

“On this occasion, which was gifted by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak as an event to reflect on the standing of women in the UAE, I congratulate Emirati women, myself included, on the countless blessings of belonging to this nation and having these leaders,” added Bin Theneya. 

“Emirati women have proven to be competent across various professional and social fields and have set emulating examples. This couldn’t have been possible without the confidence of our leaders and their empowerment of women. Today, Emirati women are at the forefront in the first-defence line against Covid-19 out of their keenness to protect their community against diseases and pandemics. Credit goes to our leaders for their immense confidence in the abilities of Emirati women, and their empowerment in all fields. Thanks also to the Emirati women who are committed to the compliance with precautionary measures to curb the outbreak of Covid-19, which has majorly impacted the control of the pandemic,” said Dr. Manal. 

At the end of the session, attendees engaged in discussions with the two chief guests about future challenges and how to keep pace with the requirements of today’s infrastructure and knowledge in the UAE. 

Wrapping up the event, Moaza Al Marri honoured the two chief guests Her Excellency Maryam Majid bin Thenya and Dr Manal Taryam as well as Dr Aysha Al Busmait.