Women's Day is a day where many events and activities take shape in various demonstrations to mark the celebration of women around the world and their vital role in any society. The organization Women in Aviation, Middle East Chapter celebrated last Thursday the Women's Day at the Dubai Ladies Club, to propagate the role of women in the aviation industry, highlighting its past, present and bright future. It began with a short video presentation of the organization, spelling out its goals and future aspirations in the Middle East. Followed by a welcome speech from the president of the organization, Mervat Sultan, thanked Sheikha Fatima for the UAE and her vital contribution, her initiatives in supporting women not just in this nation but to the nations of the world. Her contributions influenced and supported the women in all fields, standing alongside the menfolk in the in every area development. She also focused on the quote of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum "we passed the stage of the empowerment of women; we empower the community by women, and enable our economy to strengthen their role." The celebration also focused on the women role models who have accomplished much by their initiatives and achievements and are distinguished by society. The panel consisted of Afra Al Basti, Dr. Jamila Sheikh, Engineer Maryam Al Balushi, Engineer Suaad Al Shamsi and Ms. Hala Kazim, was conducted by, the Arab media's biggest Icon Ms. Amal Mohammed. The session focused on all the stages that women have been through and how the challenges in the beginnings of their lives, tried to hamper their spirits. But instead of pulling them down, they only got sharpened in the process, which enabled them to press on towards the goal each one of them had set their vision on. Al Basti has played many roles in business fields during her tenure of 30 years which bring rich experience of the 6 job positions where coincidentally she played the role of being the “mother” to many a women and children, safe guarding them from the atrocities of society. Each one of the job position brought its own stream of challenges. She now successfully runs the Dubai foundation for woman and children that aims to alleviate violence against women and children through protection, prevention and promotion. Eng. Maryam was elected from 2010 to be the regional representative in ICAO Civil Aviation Environment Protection. Her biggest challenge was to be successful in this role being the first Arab woman to hold this position. During the event, a short film on the first Women museum in Dubai showcased the documentary of ancestral evidence of the Emirati woman. Dr. Rafia Ghubash spoke about the importance of women playing roles apart from their regular jobs that meant giving to the society a part of them, especially to help families in need of support and protection. The event was concluded with the distribution of trophies felicitating the Icons in the aviation industry, who contributed significantly to the development and support, namely Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, and Homaid Al Shemmari, CEO – Aerospace and Engineering services. The trophies were received on their behalf by Ms Farrah Al Anasai, Head of Airport Security DWC & Airport Security Pass Manager and Quality, Health, Safety, Security, Environment Group Services, and Dina Bel Jaflah Vice President of Aerospace and Defense services, respectively. — SG
