Watch: Pakistan’s First Lady reviews UAE women’s empowerment initiatives in Abu Dhabi
More than 700 women from 25 countries have received training under the programme
ABU DHABI – Pakistan’s First Lady, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, on Thursday paid an official visit to the General Women’s Union in Abu Dhabi to review the UAE’s leading programmes and initiatives for women’s empowerment.
She was welcomed by Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, who emphasised the strength of UAE–Pakistan relations and the shared commitment to promoting women’s roles in national and regional development.
The visit aimed to explore collaborative opportunities and highlight the UAE’s initiatives implemented under the directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
Women’s leadership
The First Lady reviewed the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative, launched in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and UN Women. She met participants from the fifth cohort and was briefed on the initiative’s achievements in training more than 700 women from 25 countries since 2019 at Khawla bint Al Azwar Military School.
Programme scope
The three-month training programme spans internal security, peacekeeping, leadership, military topography, urban combat, weapons training, chemical defence, communications, engineering, field skills, personal management, jiu-jitsu, military and police security, infantry manoeuvres, fitness, coexistence training, and combat first aid.
Cultural engagement
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also visited Al Jawhara Hall, which displays global honours awarded to Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, along with the Union’s permanent exhibition and heritage tent showcasing Emirati crafts and traditions.
She praised the UAE’s comprehensive efforts in women’s empowerment, describing the Sheikha Fatima initiative as a global model preparing women to contribute to peace and security. The visit further underscored the commitment of both countries to deepening cooperation, exchanging expertise, and promoting women’s leadership on national, regional, and international fronts.