THE Myall River VIEW Club welcomed guest speaker Rozz Albon to its Friday, 13 March meeting, in a belated celebration of International Women’s Day.
Rozz shared insights from her distinguished career in education, including her experiences in the United Arab Emirates, France and Malaysia, and from her degree in Education Psychology and PhD in Gifted Education.
In the UAE, Rozz served as Chair of Education at her institution, with responsibility for training teachers.
She then spent seven years in the south of France with her dog before settling in Tea Gardens.
“Life in the UAE presented unique challenges and experiences for those who were not native to the country,” Rozz said.
“Adaptability was essential, requiring non-Emiratis to be flexible, tolerant, and respectful of local culture to successfully navigate social norms and expectations that differed greatly from those in Australia.
“Emiratis, the citizens of the United Arab Emirates, represent only about 11 percent of the total population of 11.5 million.
“The UAE’s population is predominantly made up of expatriates from over 200 nationalities, with significant communities from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.”
The over-dependence upon foreign workers has lately prompted the UAE government to attempt a program of “Emiratisation”, aimed at creating meaningful job opportunities for UAE nationals, reducing dependence on expatriate labour in key industries, and promoting a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.
“The country is notable for its absence of poverty, as wealthier citizens ensure those less well-off have their needs met, reflecting a strong sense of community support,” Rozz added.
“Dubai is known for its strict laws regarding public morality, respect for religion and government, and has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, penalties are severe, ranging from fines to imprisonment or deportation.”
Rozz highlighted the stark contrast between life for women in the UAE and Australia.
At Abu Dhabi Women’s College, part of the Higher Colleges of Technology, which was located opposite the Men’s College, there was strict segregation between the male and female institutions, which influenced all activities outside the home, including the transportation of students in cars with blackened privacy windows, and women’s hair and faces were covered in accordance with tradition.
“Education plays a crucial role in a woman’s marriage prospects, with a university degree considered part of a woman’s dowry, enhancing her appeal as an educated and intelligent partner better suited to raising children,” Rozz explained.
“Families tend to be large, with women often having five to twelve or more children.
“If a woman is unable to bear children, her husband may take a second or third wife.”
Rozz was presented with a single rose and a Certificate of Appreciation in appreciation of her fascinating talk.
The meeting followed a successful AGM in February, where a new committee was formed.
VIEW stands for Voice, Interests, Education of Women and is a national women’s organisation originally founded in Sydney in 1960.
It has since grown to over 260 localised clubs with more than 13,000 members throughout Australia.
VIEW is now the largest community sponsor of the Learning for Life student program run by The Smith Family which supports more than 18,000 disadvantaged young Australians.
The Myall River VIEW Club currently has 61 members and sponsors 10 students across the country.
Last year it donated more than $12,000 to The Smith Family for the students.
For more information call President Barbara on 0407 288 756, Secretary Lynne on 0425 203 544 or email myallriver.viewclub@gmail.com.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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