To mark Emirati Children’s Day, the Sharjah Child Friendly Office (SCFO), an affiliate of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) in Sharjah, received a delegation from the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) to discuss and review ongoing efforts and programmes in the emirate dedicated to bolstering children’s development and strengthening children’s rights.

The SCC delegation comprised of members of its Family Affairs Committee and the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee.

HE Dr Khawla Al Mulla, Secretary-General of SCFA and Dr. Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal, Executive Director of SCFO, welcomed the SCC delegation including HE Fatima Ali Al Muhairi, Chairperson of the Family Affairs Committee; and members of the Family Affairs committee: HE Jassim Jumah Al Mazmi; HE Abdullah Muhammad Al Shamsi; HE Muhammad Abdullah Al Raisi; HE Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Al Murr Al Naqbi; and HE Afra bin Halis Al Ketbi. Members of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee comprised HE Dr Shahin Al Mazmi; and HE Mohammed Saleh Al Ali; and Islam Al Shiwi, secretary.

During the visit, the delegation reviewed the latest developments on the Sharjah Baby and Family Friendly (SBFF) project announced in March last year, which aimed to expand the scope of the Sharjah Baby Friendly project and broaden its goals to encompass all aspects of children’s development including supporting childcare and enabling parents and caregivers.

SCFO showcased the policy guidelines for the Sharjah Baby and Family Friendly project, which are based on four key elements: sustainability, innovation, inclusion, and the promotion of a progressive family-friendly culture. These span three main policy domains including family-friendly policies such as parental leave and flexible work schedules; adopting family-friendly infrastructure and childcare support to help parents and caregivers provide the best care solutions for their children; as well as endorsing a family-friendly culture by implementing communication strategies and ensuring managerial support.

Commenting on the visit, Dr. Al Ghazal, Executive Director of SCFO, said: “SCFO is committed to enhancing the standard of children’s rights across Sharjah and the UAE, and we strongly believe that the young generation must be raised in an environment that safeguards their rights.

We value SCC’s keenness to update itself on the policies and projects implemented by SCFO to protect child rights through the adoption of regulatory standards that ensure an ideal environment for children and their caregivers.”

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen how institutions across the UAE devised innovative solutions to ensure business continuity. To promote such systemic change and support all parents, we are encouraging institutions to participate in the Sharjah Baby and Family Friendly project to help create a safe and supportive environment for children and families.”

The SBFF project comprises of three initiatives, namely, Family-Friendly Workplaces, Family-Friendly Public Places, and Family-Friendly Nurseries.