ADWC commemorates International Women's Day

The College received many special guests for the occasion, including alumnae, community supporters, embassy representatives, and Federal National Council member Her Excellency Ms. Najla Al-Awadhi.

HE Ms. Al-Awadhi, who is also the vice-CEO of Dubai Media Incorporated and General Manager of Dubai One TV, was welcomed by ADWC's Director, Dr. Bradley Cook, at the College's official opening ceremony. HE Ms. Al-Awadhi then delivered the ceremony's keynote speech, in which she emphasized the example of Khadija, the Prophet Muhammad's wife.

Invoking her faith in Islam, she told students to "work hard and do great things." She was followed at the podium by two ADWC alumnae, Dr. Lamees Al Qaisi, from the College's first graduating class, in 1991; and Mariam Al Ketbi, a recent graduate. They spoke with enthusiasm about the positive impact their College experience has had on their careers. After an enlightening Q & A with students, these three business leaders then joined many others at the College's separate zones set up for the occasion.

Several embassies from places as different as Germany and Korea sent representatives to share interactive displays about their women's cultures. These women showed students their traditional women's dresses, items of jewelry, and other women's artifacts. The ADWC students, in their turn, ran the "Women in the UAE" booth, demonstrating practices such as a traditional Emirati welcome.

In an additional display of Emirati women's culture, the College's Student Representative Council organized more than a dozen stalls in which talented students sold their own handmade or hand-decorated items, including tablecloths, ribbons, and bags.

Dozens of art works were on show at the "Women and Art" zone. An exhibit of outstanding works of photography, painting on silk, and painting on canvas, all done by College alumnae, decorated the College's main reception area. Student artists will display their works at a show later this semester.

At the "Health Zone," Health Sciences students participated side-by-side with community supporters from the Ministry of Health; Al Corniche Hospital; Emirates Hospital; Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care - Special Needs & Minor Affairs; the American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology; the Emirates Driving Company; the Emirates Foundation; Starbuck's; and Marx and Spencer's Organic Exchange. Students manned every booth, addressing a thorough cross-section of health issues, from safe driving habits to nutrition, with a special emphasis on women's and children's needs.

Dr. Bradley Cook congratulated women everywhere on the occasion of International Women's Day, which is marked throughout the world on or near 8 March.

"International Women's Day is a global event celebrating the achievements of women, and what better place could there be for this kind of recognition than here at Abu Dhabi Women's College?"

he asked.