H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, today received, in Qasr Al Bahr, Lynne Cosgrove, wife of the Governor-General of Australia.

During their meeting, they discussed the means of strengthening co-operation and exchanging expertise and knowledge between the various institutions working in areas related to women’s issues in their two friendly countries.

Sheikha Fatima welcomed the visit of Lynne Cosgrove and expressed her desire that the visit can contribute to the mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise on women’s issues.

Sheikha Fatima presented to Cosgrove the journey of development and advancement achieved by women in the UAE, due to the support they have received since the reign of the UAE’s Founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose footsteps were followed by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Her Highness stressed that Emirati women have achieved incredible successes in all areas due to the country’s wise leadership, and they now occupy leading positions in all fields. She also highlighted the many relevant institutions that support women and children in the country, and their role in serving them.

Lynne Cosgrove expressed her admiration for the UAE’s civilised advancement that has influenced various aspects of life in the country, which is also a unique example of combining modernity and authenticity.

She also praised the rapid achievements of Emirati women, as they have become the partners of men in the country’s journey of development, while valuing the role of Sheikha Fatima, who has strengthened the stature of women and exerted all her efforts to assure that the Emirati woman has become a role model and an example to be followed.

Cosgrove then highlighted the situation of women in Australia, and her country’s efforts to support them and achieve a balance between the genders in various areas, as part of its development programme.