Renewed partnership for refugee support with Sheikha Fatima Fund and UNHCR

In an effort to support refugee women and their families, the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugees recently signed two new agreements with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Geneva. The first agreement extends their partnership for three years, focusing on empowering refugee women, while the second agreement launches a US million project to provide sustainable shelter for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Burkina Faso and Chad, benefiting around 871 families.

The signing ceremony took place at the UNHCR headquarters in Geneva, where Dominique Hyde, Director of External Relations at UNHCR, and Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), put pen to paper. The event was attended by Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee, along with other officials.

The collaboration between the Sheikha Fatima Fund and UNHCR builds on past successful projects aimed at empowering refugee women and their families through sustainable development initiatives. Dr. Al Shamsi conveyed the regards of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation,’ emphasizing the fund’s commitment to supporting refugee women with education, healthcare, and skills development for dignified and secure living conditions.

Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri applauded the Sheikha Fatima Fund as a pioneering initiative that has enhanced the capacities of women in refugee and displacement situations since its inception in 2000. He highlighted Sheikha Fatima’s vision in addressing the challenges faced by displaced women.

Hyde also emphasized the crucial role of solidarity and collaboration in meeting the urgent needs of displaced populations, particularly women and girls, in the face of growing global displacement crises.

The Sheikha Fatima Fund has been at the forefront of supporting refugee women and families, providing education, healthcare, and skills development to empower them towards self-sufficiency. The new agreements signed in Geneva represent a continued commitment to improving the lives of those affected by conflict and displacement.

The US million project launched as part of the agreements will provide sustainable shelter for refugees and IDPs in Burkina Faso and Chad, offering a lifeline to around 871 families who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and instability. This initiative underscores the importance of long-term solutions in addressing the needs of displaced populations, ensuring their safety and well-being.

The Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugees has set a shining example of humanitarian efforts, showcasing the impact that targeted interventions can have on the lives of displaced individuals. By focusing on empowering women and providing sustainable solutions, the fund is changing the narrative for refugee communities, offering hope and dignity in times of crisis.