Emirati Women’s Day commemorates women’s power

Western media often portrays Muslim-majority countries as uniformly oppressive toward women, but that broad generalization ignores the diversity among many Muslim societies. Case in point: Aug. 28 was Emirati Women’s Day, a celebration of the critical role women play in the United Arab Emirates. It was launched in 2015 by Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, known as the “Mother of the Nation.” One major event is Expo City Dubai, a recognition of “women shaping more inclusive, resilient cities” in fields such as urban design, wellness, sports and economic innovation. Another is Emiratia, an event that celebrates the “visionary daughters of the nation.” “The event seeks to empower more women to step into leadership roles and foster meaningful collaboration across industries,” one woman told Gulf News.