Gulf News - Century Financial honours Emirati Women for their achievements in developing and advancing the nation

Sameera Fernandes, Special to Gulf News August 29, 2022

It's that time of the year when we step up to honour the triumphs, support the contribution, and celebrate the various roles Emirati women play not only as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister but also as a professional and as an achiever. On the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day this year, UAE’s pioneering investment consultancy provider Century Financial honours the women of UAE for their achievements and role in contributing to the growth and progress of the nation.

Commemorated every year on August 28, the theme of the 2022 edition of Emirati Women’s Day is "Inspiring Reality.. Sustainable Future". The initiative launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi will mark its seventh-year celebration this year.

The investment company championed three incredible women leaders who are go-getters in their own space and an inspiration to the society. These daughters of the land have set an example for young girls in the region to dream big, overcome obstacles and achieve their goals whilst maintaining a healthy balance between their personal life and successful careers.

Sameera Fernandes, Director Corporate Affairs, Century Financial hosted the virtual panel discussion with women stewards of the UAE including Aarefa Al Falahi - Member Board of Directors at Emirates Sport Club, Habiba Al Marashi - Co-founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and Eng. Maitha Alblooshi - CTO - Scrum Master at Emirates NBD and Young leadership award winner, 2022 to learn about their success stories, inspire the youth of today and empower them to go above and beyond to achieve their dreams. Excerpts from this discussion will be telecasted in the form of a video on 28 August 2022 across all the social media handles of Century Financial.

Initiating the panel discussion, Aarefa Al Falahi, the first Emirati lady banker in Ras Al Khaimah addressed the occasion saying, "It is time that we break the stereotype of the society. Times have changed and today, in the corporate world, women are gaining respect and opportunities equal to men. In the finance industry too, we are at a pivotal point where women are now at the forefront and actively involved in the decision-making processes."

Habiba Al Marashi, an environmentalist, advising the women of today said: “Dig deep and discover your true-self which will help you to believe in yourself and take confident strides on the road of changing the world for a better future. Women are multitaskers and this is in our DNA, so head on with determination, perseverance and commitment - success is sure to follow.”

‘I have always wanted to break through the gender bias and the glass ceiling of set social norms. Therefore, for me as an Emirati woman, today’s celebration is all about my aspirations to scale to greater heights. I want to send out a strong message to today’s youth that nothing is impossible! Hard work and a creative mindset backed with the right attitude will lead to success,” comments the Emirati youth leader Maitha Al Blooshi.

With UAE’s strong entrepreneurial spirit and support from the government, these leaders are trailblazing the building of this nation. Their commendable work has been etched for inspiration to the youth and women of today. “It has been an honour to be able to document and share the story of these noteworthy Emirati Women on this day. We appreciate and salute every Emirati woman for their remarkable contribution to the society” concluded Fernandes.