Be proud to be a woman

Feature article on the occasion of the International Women's Day

• The celebration of International Women's Day on March 8 reminds us of the challenges women face around the world and the progress achieved in securing their rights
• Across the globe, women still face extensive discrimination and socio-economic restrictions.
• In facing these challenges, my message to every Arab woman – and indeed, to every woman on earth – is to be proud of who you are; be proud that God chose you to power human renewal and longevity.
• God has placed our future in your hands – the greatest and most sublime gift to humankind, and the very embodiment of love.

• Be proud of the patience and resilience of women throughout history, of how we have endured hardship to fulfil the most important roles in our families and societies, and continue to represent the purest origins of life.
• Women in the Gulf, in particular, should be extremely proud of what they have achieved and the advancements they have secured.
• The foresight and courage demonstrated by GCC governments in delivering education, employment and legislation has served to unleash the energies of women as key contributors to sustainable development and prosperity.
• Today, let us all be proud to be women. Take heart in our expanding roles in national development and know that tomorrow holds further opportunities and success for womankind.