The Department of Social Services in Sharjah and its branches celebrated Emirati Women’s Day in its various centers and departments, under the slogan “We Share for Tomorrow.” It organized a meeting in the Wasit Suburb Council, attended by a group of women from the Asala Club and productive families. Four female leaders spoke during the meeting, each according to their specialization. The meeting was moderated by Maryam Al Qasir, Director of the Social Education Department, Maryam Ismail, Director of the Women’s Protection Center in the Department, Dr. Iman Al Rifai, Lawyer, and Mona Al Zaabi, Businesswoman. Investing in Women: Maryam Al Qasir addressed the issue of investing in women to accelerate the pace of progress in the country. She began her speech by introducing the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day, which dates back to the day the General Women’s Union was founded. It comes from the belief of the wise leadership of the country in the importance of the contributions of the daughters of the nation and their role in the development efforts and welfare of the country, and in appreciation and honor of what they have provided to support the state’s progress inside and outside the country. She said that investing in women is one of the most important factors in promoting economic and social progress in societies, and when women are empowered economically, educationally and socially, their opportunities to contribute to the economy and achieve progress increase. Some ways to invest in women include providing appropriate education, supporting economic opportunities, enhancing political and social participation, and ensuring their rights and protecting them from discrimination and violence. These steps create an environment that contributes to raising women’s standard of living and enhancing their role in comprehensive development. Emirati women, thanks to the vision of our wise leadership and its unlimited support, have proven their vital role in building and developing the nation. It has been and still is a key partner in development, and a symbol of determination and ambition. Achieving historic achievements in education, science, economics and politics, she was an ambassador for her country in international forums, proving that women are capable of achieving the impossible. She provided statistics on women’s contributions to Emirati society, where 30% hold positions in diplomatic work, 67% hold positions in education, health and services, 12% participated in the discovery of Mars, and 25% hold positions in the ministerial formation. Women’s Protection Center Mariam Ismail presented an overview of the efforts and achievements of the Women’s Protection Center, and its slogan “From Protection to Empowerment,” which is one of the first centers dedicated to protecting and caring for abused women in the country, whether women or girls, and providing shelter services, in addition to social, psychological, legal and health services. The center was established in 2011 and its mission is to provide a decent life for women in the Emirate of Sharjah. The most important conditions for shelter in the center are to submit a report (800700) or through the police, confirming that the woman has actually been subjected to violence or that her condition is in danger, then she will be sheltered until her problem is resolved. Antelaka addressed the “Antelaka” program launched by the Department of Social Services through the Women’s Protection Center, with the aim of empowering women aged 18-59 in several areas that help them make their own way in society and live independently and with dignity. It also aims to advance women to a higher level of self-esteem and self-confidence by developing their efficiency and capabilities by providing them with the necessary opportunities and tools, which are represented by a package of services that are chosen according to their desires and needs, as a number of specialists implement this program to achieve their goals in an easy, organized and systematic manner. She explained that the programme is divided into five enablers: social, economic, professional, psychological and legal empowerment. The law is on the side of women. Lawyer Dr. Iman Al-Rifai addressed the issue of women’s rights under laws and legislation, and explained that the state’s law did not differentiate between men and women, but rather treated them equally in the areas of work, promotion, and wages. It also provided free health care and education and opened all fields of work and job opportunities for them. She pointed out that the problem lies in the fact that a large number of women do not have a sufficient and comprehensive idea about women's rights, which causes them to encounter legal problems. It is very necessary for women to be familiar with the legal culture related to their rights and duties in all areas, including family, business, and others. A live experience and the last intervention was by Mona Sultan Al Zaabi, a businesswoman who presented her experience in self-employment within the experiences of productive families. She started from scratch in making incense, which she mastered from her aunts, as she used to monitor their work and learned the craft from them. She pointed out that her children did not agree with her work, but she insisted on her opinion and continued and obtained a commercial license and participated in exhibitions through her affiliation with a production center. She now has a brand known by her name and has created many customers in all regions of the country. She called on other women to achieve their dreams and have complete confidence in their abilities. On another note, the Social Services Department’s Elderly Care Home celebrated Emirati Women’s Day with the elderly residents of the home. The Sharjah Heritage Institute participated in the celebration, providing an overview of traditional costumes and popular foods. The NMC Medical Center also participated in the celebration, providing gifts to the elderly. The Department of Licensing and Social Professions participated in the Emirati Women’s Day celebrations by presenting workshops for the association’s members. The Department of Social Assistance organized a trip for the beneficiaries of social security in the department to the Suhub Rest House in Khorfakkan, in addition to heritage workshops presented by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage.