Today's Edition
AMEINAH AL ZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
The General Women's Union (GWU) has launched the world's first salaried, pensionable job scheme tailored specifically for productive families, offering full employment benefits to women working from home.
Emirati mothers in their 50s, many of whom have spent decades running households, are now embracing this new path to financial independence, describing it as an empowering recognition of their skills and contributions.
"At my age, I never thought I'd have this kind of opportunity," Mariam Al Shamsi, 52, told Aletihad.
"This initiative respects our lifestyle while giving us a chance to grow and be recognised. Self-worth is more important than money. I've already begun organising my range of natural oils and soaps," she added.
Under the programme, home-based producers are recognised as official employees who receive a fixed monthly wage, registration with the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, and a share of profits from the sale of their handmade products through the GWU's Centre for Traditional Industries and Handicrafts. In turn, they must deliver a set number of products each week that meet defined quality standards, but without fixed hours or physical attendance.
To Fatima Mohammad, a 54-year-old mother of five from Fujairah, the programme gives a renewed sense of purpose and the chance to build something of her own.
"It's like a dream come true," Fatima told Aletihad.
"I've dedicated my life to caring for my house and raising kids. I've always wanted to make a financial contribution, but I've never been able to find a situation that worked for me. I can now make traditional crafts and make a steady living without ever leaving my home. It makes me feel proud and like I have a purpose."
Abu Dhabi resident Buthaina, 57, commended the initiative for empowering parents to turn home-based skills and lifelong passions into a steady income.
"We are simultaneously managers, chefs, caregivers, and artists. The government is now formally acknowledging our worth and transforming our skills from home into a lucrative career," she told Aletihad.
"Making handmade meals and desserts is something I've always been passionate about, so I want to do that."
Announced last Thursday, the initiative is part of the wider "Mother of the Nation's 50:50 Vision" launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the GWU, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. The long-term strategy, which extends to 2075, seeks to strengthen Emirati women's roles in all aspects of national development while preserving traditional values.
