Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugees Signs New Agreements with UNHCR
Geneva, The Gulf Observer: The Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugees has signed two significant agreements with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) at its headquarters in Geneva. These agreements aim to bolster support for refugee women and provide sustainable shelter for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Burkina Faso and Chad.
The first agreement extends their partnership for three more years, reaffirming their commitment to supporting refugee women. The second agreement launches a US$1 million project to provide sustainable shelter, benefiting around 871 families in Burkina Faso and Chad.
Dominique Hyde, Director of External Relations at UNHCR, and Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), signed the agreements. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugees, along with other officials.
This collaboration builds on the successes of previous projects funded by the Sheikha Fatima Fund and explores new avenues to support refugee women and their families through sustainable development initiatives.
Dr. Al Shamsi conveyed the greetings of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. She emphasized the fund’s commitment, in collaboration with the ERC and UNHCR, to empower refugee women by providing education, healthcare, and skills development to help them live with dignity and security.
Al Mansouri praised the Sheikha Fatima Fund as a pioneering initiative that has implemented numerous programs to strengthen the capacities of women in refugee and displacement contexts. He highlighted that Sheikha Fatima established the fund in 2000, recognizing the harsh conditions and risks faced by displaced women and the need for initiatives to improve their lives.
Hyde noted the increasing displacement crises worldwide and the disproportionate impact on women and girls, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collaboration in addressing their urgent needs.
These agreements mark a significant step in the ongoing efforts to support and empower refugee women, showcasing the commitment of the Sheikha Fatima Fund and its partners to sustainable development and humanitarian aid.
