2023-11-12 04:33:23
Women are always the origin of the story, the story of excellence, work and giving, narrated by the Emirati Atiqa Al Mansouri. It is the story of a woman who wanted to make her hobby (weaving handicrafts and heritage) a platform for her dreams of sustaining her national identity. Through its pages, “Zahrat Al Khaleej” presents the journey of one of the first generation women, and the basis for women’s reality
Women are always the origin of the story, the story of excellence, work and giving, narrated by the Emirati Atiqa Al Mansouri. It is the story of a woman who wanted to make her hobby (weaving handicrafts and heritage) a platform for her dreams of sustaining her national identity. Through its pages, “Zahrat Al Khaleej” presents the journey of one of the ladies of the first generation, and the foundation for the inspiring reality of Emirati women, who planted the first seed for the role of women in the development of society, and that was an inexhaustible resource in her mind and being, which spoke to her every day with the will of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, by preserving heritage, preserving it from extinction, and passing it on to new generations, to tell the history of fathers and grandfathers.
Atiqa Al-Mansouri is one of the heritage protectors at the Industries Center for Handicrafts, affiliated with the General Women’s Union. She worked within its corridors; With her golden fingertips decorated with henna, she knocked on the door of entrepreneurship through her talent and passion for handicrafts and heritage. To start with a new idea, rely on developing products and presenting heritage crafts in a spirit that emulates the modern era.
How do you see the life and role of Emirati women in the past?
Emirati women have played a vital and active role in society since ancient times, and contributed to all aspects of life. In addition to taking care of household affairs and taking care of children, they also carried out agricultural work and animal husbandry. Between this and that, you find space to practice traditional crafts, which helped them adapt to the circumstances of life in different times. Despite her preoccupations, thanks to her skills, she used to make her decorations and treatments from nature and from what her environment provided. These traditional crafts bear witness to a social life in which women formed the focus of construction and the basis of creativity. When she finished her household chores and took care of her family, she would begin another creativity, represented by practicing the crafts of Sadu, Talli, Khoos, sewing, wool spinning, and making perfumes and incense. and other industries; To stand tall, supporting her husband, providing her clothes and decorations from the work of her own hands.
Women cadres
How did your journey with traditional crafts begin?
I discovered my talent for handicrafts, such as: khus, talli, and sadu, from a young age, and I worked to develop them. Until I joined the Industries Center for Handicrafts, affiliated with the General Women’s Union, and from that time I took upon myself the message that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union and President of the Council, conveyed to us. Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (Mother of the Emirates), called for the necessity of protecting our authentic Emirati heritage and passing it on to new generations. Since that day, I have been working hard to spread our heritage, customs and traditions, in the various forums in which I participate inside and outside the country.
Being one of the protectors of heritage in the country… Tell us regarding your efforts to train new generations. To complete the march?
We are constantly working to attract talented girls and teach them the basics of these professions. We are working in accordance with the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the Emirates), as Her Highness established the first academy specialized in Emirati crafts in the General Women’s Union (Emirati Craftswomen Academy), with the aim of building the capabilities of national female cadres, specialized in craft and heritage industries, and promoting crafts and handicrafts. With economic feasibility, and making it an influential economic element in providing many job opportunities.
Unity of purpose and message
You combined your passion for protecting heritage with your work in trade. How did you do that?
Through my business project in handicrafts and heritage industries, I wanted to combine my passion and love for my profession, generate additional income for my family, and contribute to presenting an honorable image of the capabilities of Emirati women, through their influential presence in economic activity, and supporting the development process in the country, as I work on Providing valuable heritage products with a modern spirit, at reasonable prices; To attract the largest segment of consumers.
Handicrafts require effort and time to produce. How do you deal with this hardship?
In fact, I did not find it difficult or difficult to perform my work; Because I do it with love and enjoyment, among a group of pioneering women in our field, and we are all united by the unity of purpose and mission.
What is your advice to Emirati women?
I advise Emirati women to continue the approach of excellence and leadership in all fields and sectors of society. To preserve its authentic customs and traditions, which increase its dignity and pride.
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