ADWC students listen to educator on Arab women's roles

Students were eager to hear the thoughts of such an accomplished role model. Dr. Al Shamsi completed a doctorate in economics from Cairo University in 1990, and since then has had a chance to work in many educational settings, including assistant dean for female affairs at UAE University in Al Ain.

Immediately prior to her current position as President of the Arab Citizenship and Development Center, she worked for eight years as Deputy Minister for Educational Programs and Curricula in the U.A.E.'s Ministry of Education. The Arab Citizenship and Development Center, which Dr. Shamsi founded in 2007, consults and develops educational materials in areas such as economics and the social sciences.

Dr. Al Shamsi's address gave examples of how Emirati women of previous generations lived, contrasting today's College students with their grandmothers. "If you want to develop your country," she told listening students, "you have to prepare yourselves through hard work and education." She pointed out the many opportunities available for Emirati women to contribute to society here, and encouraged her listeners to "participate more—economically, socially, and politically."

ADWC's Director, Dr. Bradley Cook, commented:

"It is hard to describe the influence of a visitor such as Dr. Al Shamsi. She has overcome difficult challenges to contribute to the U.A.E., and her example and her encouragement mean a lot to our students. She sounds like the voice I sometimes hear inside my own head, telling me to keep working to build up my country."

Abu Dhabi Women's College is part of the Higher Colleges of Technology. All media references to the organization should be noted as the Higher Colleges of Technology's Abu Dhabi Women's College or Abu Dhabi Women's College of HCT.