DUBAI, 15th May, 2025 (WAM) -- The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) joined the global community in marking the International Day of Families by launching a series of awareness initiatives under the theme, Family-oriented Policies for Sustainable Development.

As part of its efforts, DFWAC hosted a virtual awareness session via Zoom titled Family Resilience, presented by Amna Ibrahim Al Mutawa, Psychological Services Manager at the Foundation. The session attracted around 100 participants from across the community, reflecting growing interest in fostering strong and healthy family relationships.

DFWAC also launched a digital campaign across its social media platforms to promote family stability, emotional well-being and social cohesion, in support of the Year of Community 2025.

The webinar created an interactive space to explore the concept of resilience from both scientific and psychological perspectives, with emphasis on practical applications. Al Mutawa explained that resilience is not simply about patience or endurance, but about a family's ability to adapt in times of crisis, find meaning in challenges, and transform adversity into opportunities for growth.

The lecture addressed common barriers to resilience such as fear of change, poor communication and social pressures. It also highlighted the role resilient families play in preventing addiction by offering emotionally supportive and stable environments that help children develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Key psychological factors influencing resilience-such as open communication, emotional support, flexible roles and a non-judgemental atmosphere-were discussed, alongside strategies to strengthen these dynamics. These included involving children in decisions, promoting mutual appreciation, and creating daily family rituals to build emotional bonds.

The session also addressed modern challenges such as digital distractions, shifting parental roles and reduced quality time. It encouraged families to reclaim shared experiences through simple practices such as regular mealtimes and open dialogue.

The initiative reinforced the Foundation's belief that societal strength is closely tied to the resilience and adaptability of families, particularly in the face of daily stress and emotional strain.

DFWAC's social media campaign supported this message with accessible content focused on managing stress, encouraging understanding and creating emotionally safe home environments.

Shaikha Saeed Al Mansouri, Acting Director-General of the Foundation, said families today face continuous pressures that demand more than momentary resilience:
"That's why it is essential to shift families into a state of conscious resilience. Today's session reflects a sincere desire in the community to invest in their families, both emotionally and psychologically."

She added that the Foundation remains committed to launching awareness initiatives that address the evolving needs of society and reinforce the family's role as a cornerstone of social cohesion. This, she noted, aligns with the UAE's national directives that view family welfare as essential to cultural awareness, stability and long-term development.