Ihab Al Rifai (Al Dhafra Region)
The “1000 Steps” outdoor initiative drew over 50 women to participate in a walk at Al Mughayyara Park in Al Mirfa City, Al Dhafra Region in a move to enhance skills and capabilities of women, empowering them for active social and economic engagement.
The initiative, launched by the Family Development Foundation as a part of the 100-Day Challenge programme, targets women aged 19 to 50 through a comprehensive plan covering all areas of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The initiative is set to expand to Al Ain and other Abu Dhabi cities soon. Khawla Al Muhairi, Head of the Women Empowerment Department at the Family Development Foundation, explained that the programme is designed to build the capacities and skills of women as part of a broader strategic goal to provide women with the qualifications and empowerment necessary to assume leadership roles in their families and society.
Participants can acquire memberships in the 100-Day Challenge sports programme, engaging in essential physical and mental activities. Al Muhairi added that the “1000 Steps” initiative aims to foster the development and enhancement of health and sports for women and families.
The initiative seeks to mitigate the risk of obesity, elevate physical and physiological fitness levels, and improve the psychological well-being of participants. The initiative also encourages active female participation in physical education throughout Abu Dhabi.
Al Muhairi emphasised that the Family Development Foundation is committed to enhancing healthy, psychological, and social lifestyles through its programmes, services, and events. The foundation aims to establish successful families by developing diverse skills, acquiring knowledge, and offering psychological, social, developmental, and professional consultations for all segments of society.
This includes fostering parental skills to understand the needs and behaviours of children at various stages, as well as promoting creative skills, entrepreneurship, sports activities, and volunteer work. Participants in the “1000 Steps” initiative commended its significance and its positive impact on health, psychological wellbeing, and mood.
The outdoor implementation within distinguished natural areas excited participants, contributing to a positive shift in traditional patterns and encouraging families to engage in sports activities. Participants advocated for an increase in initiatives and programmes that enable women to lead healthy and physically fit lives, thus reflecting positively on their lifestyles and facilitating effective participation in society.