THE GIRL GUIDES MOVEMENT IN THE UAE
An important aspect of promoting the development of women in the United Arab Emirates is, of course, the need to enhance the opportunities available to them when they are young. Girls, after all, become the women, and mothers, of tomorrow.
While part of this aspect is catered for through the facilitation of educational opportunities, there is much also that can be done outside the framework of formal education, through social groups, the development of inter-personal skills and other techniques. Through learning to undertake activities together, young girls also develop the confidence that will enable them to deal successfully with the challenges that will face them when they become adults.
In recognition of this, the UAE, like other countries, has encouraged the Guiding movement, which began with the founding of the first Girl Guide and flowers group in January 1973. In February 1974, 500 UAE Girl Guides took part in their first camp, at Al Hamriyyah, in Sharjah, an event which was attended by President H.H Sheikh Zayed and by Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, as well as by other senior officials.
The jamboree marked the formal launching of the Girl Guide movement in the Emirates, and it has since grown to become an integral part of the process of educating UAE girls to become worthy citizens on all levels.
The Patron of the Girl Guiding Movement, and honorary President of its organising committee, is H.H Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, who is known as the ‘First leader’.