The First Women with Disabilities Empowerment Forum recommended a plan to rehabilitate and employ women with disabilities. It also recommended calling on higher education institutions to allocate places for them; acquainting community with their conditions; and working with the National Media Council to prepare television and radio programs, to be hosted and directed by women with disabilities.
The Forum was organized by the UAE Women’s Police Association, under the patronage of HH Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior at the Police Officers Club. The Forum, which was inaugurated by Major General Mohammed bin Al Awadhi Al Menhali, Director General of Police Operations at Abu Dhabi Police, included a number of work papers on women with disabilities and their care.
Speakers at the Forum reviewed the reality of women with disabilities; services provided by the State; legislation regarding people with disability; and the achievements to provide a decent life for this segment of society.
The inaugurating ceremony was attended by a number of senior officers from Abu Dhabi Police, along with representatives from the various sectors dealing with women with disabilities in the State.
Major General Al Awadhi stated that women in the UAE enjoy considerable attention and sincere care; noting that they have participated alongside men in the process of work and dedication, as efficiently, and proved to be a distinguished asset in the police sector.
In his opening address, he explained that establishing the UAE Women’s Police Association, as part of the Ministry of Interior, embodies the vision of HH, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Interior, to address the affairs of women staff working in the police institutions, within a well-advised scientific structure.
He added that the Ministry of Interior has provided the necessary support, to enable the Association to carry out its work, noting that it will be participating in the International Conference of the Women Police Association in Canada. He also pointed out that the Chairwoman of the Association was honored as the best woman police officer worldwide and chosen as a regional representative in the Middle East region for the International Association of Women Police, reflects the Ministry of Interior and decision makers’ support.
For her part, Captain Amina Mohammed Khamis Al Balouchi, Chairwoman of the UAE Women's Police Association, indicated that the wise leadership has dedicated significant attention to women, to empower them to achieve remarkable levels of educational attainment, and occupy high-ranking positions in Government and elsewhere. She added that the UAE Women's police is the result of the development movement; and thanks to the patronage, close follow-up, and attention of the Police leadership, it was able to make considerable achievements during a short period of time. This confirms the prestigious position attained by the Association internationally, which earned it the confidence of the international-best police and security organizations. It also reflects positively women police work and women's participation in police work in the UAE.
Captain Al Balouchi noted that a number of committees were established within the Association, namely; the Women with Disabilities Committee. She added that the UAE was one of the first States in the Gulf, Arab and Middle East level to sign conventions and treaties on the rights of women with disabilities.
Moreover, Kaltham Obaid Al Matrooshi, form Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, tackled the efforts of the Women with Disabilities Empowerment Association, to support the “be a reason” initiative, sponsored by the