Girl Scouts Conference in Abu Dhabi highlights need to empower young women

Thirty-four years ago, the founding father of the UAE passed away Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan met a small group of young women in brown uniforms and scarves.

They were part of the 11th Arab Region Girl Scouts Conference, which took place at Abu Dhabi At the Cultural Foundation, this marks the beginning of the UAE’s membership of the World Association of Girl Guides.

Some 10 million girls are members of the organization today.

Algeria participated for the first time as a member at the 23rd Arab Regional Conference in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

The Girl Guides Association uses outreach programs to enable girls and young women to connect with local communities and cultural groups.

Through fun and challenging activities, the organization empowers girls to find their voices, inspires them to discover the best of themselves, and makes a positive difference in their communities.

The importance of volunteer work

The UAE Girl Guides Association was established in 1981 and continues to be supported by Sheikha Fatima, the Mother of Nations.

In a speech read on her behalf, Sheikha Fatima said, “The Arab Girl Guides Association is one of the important pillars in developing promising young female guides, strengthening their role and taking on programmes and initiatives related to the development of generations of girls. Who will contribute to the development and growth of scouting.”

She said the campaign was important for distilling talent and raising awareness of the importance of mentoring and volunteer work to community and national service.

“In the time of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, may God rest in peace, the daughter of the UAE has achieved achievements in all areas, including scouting and mentoring, and we are proud of the extraordinary presence and progress of the sport in Domestic success.”

lay the foundation

In 1988, there were only a few schools in the UAE, and most Emiratis were sent abroad for further study.

but sheikha fatimaAlso head of the Girl Scouts Initiative, she supports the project with the conviction that it will lead to the advancement and development of Emirati women.

Encouraged by Sheikh Zayed, who traveled to Ras Al Khaimah with the rulers of the other emirates to attend their events, the Emiratis began sending their daughters to the group, hoping it would give them control of the future required skills.

“We are very happy,” said Shaikha Al Jaberi, member of the UAE Girl Scouts Council.

“As soon as there is any event or activity, they send their daughters immediately. They want their daughters to be independent and have strong personalities.”

Young girls learn how to tie different knots, how to make a fire without a match, and other skills that give them a sense of independence and self-sufficiency.

It was the beginning of the Emirati women’s movement and the first step on the road to the country’s first female astronaut, minister, fighter pilot and others.

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts is the world’s largest movement dedicated to girls and young women, representing girls and young women from 152 countries.

For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts have transformed the lives of girls and young women around the world, supporting and empowering them to reach their potential and become responsible global citizens.

Updated: September 6, 2022 at 4:07 pm