On the occasion of the Emirati Women’s Day, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) organized a virtual discussion on “The role of women in ICT sector: ideas, experiences and visions of TRA”, with the participation of a number of female TRA employees. The discussion focused on the professional and practical experiences of women working in the ICT sector, and the professional development that they have achieved in this vital field by taking advantage of the opportunities provided by TRA senior leadership in line with the directives of the wise leadership and its unlimited support in this context.
The session started with an opening speech by Ahlam Al Feel, Director of Corporate Communication Department and CEO of Happiness and Wellbeing in TRA, where she praised the major achievements of Emirati women in various fields, and their role in TRA various projects and programs. She said: “On the occasion of Emirati Women's Day, I extend my greetings to all colleagues and sisters in various fields of national work, and on behalf of all of you I greet the Mother of the Nation, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation President of Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and the leadership of the UAE for the distinguished global position we have reached in women's empowerment and gender balance, which has been reflected on people’s happiness in the UAE.”
She added: “Today, while we witness the presence of women in all fields, we are convinced that the founding fathers plans have resulted happiness and prosperity today, and that our current leaders’ strategies will bring about more success and leadership for us and for generations after us. Today's ICT sector is the incubator of all digital transformations, the driving force of the fourth industrial revolution including smart cities, big data, 5G and technologies supported by artificial intelligence. “
The speakers included Eng. Khawla Al Mheiri, Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi, and Eng. Shaimaa Al Hefeiti. The discussion was moderated by Shahd Al Muhaideb, Marketing Manager Corporate Communications Department. The speakers addressed the importance of building women capacities in the ICT sector, in addition discussing their effective role in this sector since the establishment of the union, the challenges they have faced, and how to overcome them and prove their competencies to assume the most important positions.
The session also discussed the active women’s role in national projects such as the UAE Pass project, the first digital national identity for all citizens, residents and visitors, allowing users to access the services of local and federal government entities, and other service providers. The speakers also discussed digital transformation and its future implications on the role of women, and their empowerment in the ICT sector, to achieve a balance between women’s professional and family duties.
H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Director General, announced the launch of two important initiatives, the first one is “Digital women: Emirati women at the forefront of digital transformation” which includes the development of a digital platform for women working in the sector, including a knowledge portal, a discussion forum, a blog, as well as an annual event that sheds light on the efforts of Emirati women in the ICT sector.
The second initiative focuses on strengthening the role of women as representatives of their country in international ICT forums, by sending a certain number of women every year for training and practicing in global organizations such as the United Nations, the International Telecommunication Union and the World Summit on the Information Society.
Emirati women lead a number of strategic projects in TRA at the national level, with Khawla Al Mheiri managing the UAE Pass project. Moreover, Suaad Al Shamsi was awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal for technical/technological employee, for leading “Mabrouk Ma Yak” team, and a number of women have represented the UAE in the ITU sessions and in numerous internal and external participations
TRA has launched many initiatives under the guidance of TRA senior leadership for empowering Emirati women, such as Eve Committee, believing in the role of women and their contribution to the development of all fields. Eve committee is keen on motivating female human cadres to maintain professional excellence, as well as creating a productive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation, and ensuring the highest levels of happiness for female employees.