Abu dhabi: The General Women's Union (GWU), in collaboration with UN Women - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Office and UN Women Afghanistan Country Office, organized a two-day exhibition aimed at supporting Afghan women entrepreneurs. The event focused on promoting peer-to-peer learning and strengthening partnerships with Emirati women entrepreneurs.
According to Emirates News Agency, the exhibition, held at the GWU's premises, was inaugurated by Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU. The event was graced by the presence of Aisha Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla, Chairwoman of the UAE Businesswomen's Council, and Aisha Ali Al Mansoori, Deputy Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of United Nations entities, the UAE Businesswomen's Council, the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, and Emirati women entrepreneurs.
In her opening remarks, Al Suwaidi emphasized that the exhibition reflects the UAE's continued commitment to strengthening women's role in sustainable development. She noted that the initiative builds on the vision of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, whose leadership has prioritized creating an enabling environment for women at both national and global levels.
Al Suwaidi stated that the vision aligns with the UAE's efforts to enhance cooperation and knowledge exchange among women across countries and cultures. It aims to provide inclusive and enabling platforms supporting women-led enterprises, fostering innovation, and facilitating sustainable partnerships that improve livelihoods for women and their families.
The event was designed to support women-led businesses and facilitate the exchange of skills and expertise between Afghan and Emirati women entrepreneurs, particularly in handicrafts, traditional industries, and heritage-based production. It also sought to promote joint institutional partnerships, in line with the UAE's approach to economic diplomacy and its commitment to advancing women's roles in sustainable development.
Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi, Director of the UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC, remarked that the exchange, the first of its kind in the region, demonstrates the strength of the strategic partnership between the UAE and UN Women. She highlighted that supporting women remains central to advancing peace, security, and prosperity, and is a fundamental aspect of the UAE's development cooperation and women-centered foreign policy.
An Afghan entrepreneur, speaking on behalf of the Afghan women entrepreneurs' delegation, expressed gratitude to the UAE for its hospitality and for providing a platform to support and showcase their enterprises. She emphasized the delegation's interest in formalizing and expanding cooperation and highlighted the expertise of Afghan women entrepreneurs in carpet weaving, traditional garments, and saffron production.
The Afghan entrepreneur also noted that approximately 1.4 million women are engaged in the carpet industry across Afghanistan, enabling them to generate sustainable income and support their families from their homes.
The UAE is among the leading countries supporting Afghan women entrepreneurs and promoting the exchange of expertise, reflecting its commitment to expanding economic opportunities and knowledge sharing.