The Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, in collaboration with the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (ICCC), organized the “Diplomatic Day for Women Ambassadors in the UAE” to promote cultural and diplomatic ties. The event took place on Thursday and attracted ambassadors from ten nations, including Finland, Slovenia, Congo, Barbados, Mali, Malta, Latvia, Estonia, Ireland, and Cyprus. It provided a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences on women’s empowerment while emphasizing the significant role women play in development.

Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director-General of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, along with other notable figures, attended the event. The gathering highlighted Sharjah’s commitment to supporting women’s contributions across various sectors, including charity, sports, culture, education, and entrepreneurship.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, remarked that Sharjah is dedicated to fostering meaningful partnerships with diplomatic missions. He emphasized that the event exemplifies this commitment and helps facilitate dialogue and engagement to promote impactful initiatives. Additionally, he expressed pride in the contributions of DGR’s female staff in building relationships with female diplomats and leaders.

Reem Bin Karam, Director General of ICCC, stated that the event, held at the Khor Kalba Centre, showcased the vital role of traditional crafts in cultural exchange and communication between nations. She noted that it also opened doors for global collaborations that empower female artisans and sustain craft traditions, reaffirming Irthi’s commitment to innovative presentations of Emirati heritage.

The event saw participation from various diplomats, including Sajeda Shawa from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and ambassadors from several countries. The attendance of prominent leaders and female representatives from Sharjah institutions highlighted the emirate’s ongoing support for women’s empowerment initiatives.

The day included a workshop organized by Irthi, which focused on traditional Emirati crafts combined with contemporary creativity. Participants engaged with skilled artisans and learned about sustainable practices that adapt these crafts for the global market. This initiative reflects Sharjah’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage while enhancing the economic relevance of traditional crafts.

Moreover, the program featured a visit to the Al Qurm Nature Reserve in Kalba. Participants explored the unique mangrove ecosystem, which plays a crucial role in coastal protection and supports endangered species. This visit underscored the importance of biodiversity conservation in the region.

Prominent female leaders from various sectors in Sharjah were present, including Halima Al Owais, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council, and Hana Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment & Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah. Their participation demonstrated the strong network of women leaders committed to advancing empowerment and collaboration in the emirate.

Credit: gulftoday