The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the Global Partnerships Forum (GPF) have presented the Agent of Change Award to HH Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the UAE Women's General Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in recognition of her contributions and achievements in areas of women's empowerment and gender equality in the UAE and beyond.
The award was received on her behalf by Noura Al-Suwaidi, Director of the General Women’s Union, during a high-level event on the margins of the 72nd United Nations General Assembly, to honour women leaders committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, according to UAE News Agency (WAM).

The Agents of Change award, created in support of UN Women by renowned artist Spar Street, is an iconic crystal sculpture to capture the concept of movement and transformation, of striving and progress, for the achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The event celebrated the achievements of formidable women leaders by honouring them with the Agent of Change Award. The 2017 awardees have consistently been committed to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to the peace and security projects in their countries and beyond.

Addressing the audience on behalf of HH Shaikha Fatima, Reem Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, said H.H. Shaikha Fatima has been playing a key role in elevating the status of women in the UAE as an equal partner of men in the building and development of the young UAE nation.

''The UAE is striving to promote gender equality as a foreign policy priority in consistent with H.H. Shaikha Fatima’s vision to empower women in the local community,'' she added.

The event was attended by an array of government leaders, business stalwarts, members of civil society, gender equality champions, philanthropists, and change-makers, who have helped empower women and advance gender equality, WAM reported.

Source: BNA