Etihad Airways launches community initiative to support women in need

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched a community initiative in Sri Lanka to support females subjected to violence and abuse or struggling in need of basic assistance.

The airline’s Sri Lanka office has teamed up with two leading organisations in Colombo – Women in Need which provides refuge to those in danger, and Voice for Voiceless that offers shelter and training to widows and single mothers to help them become self-sufficient.

Etihad Airways has reached out to its partners in Sri Lanka – corporate customers, travel trade and suppliers – for donations of dried food, clothes, bedding and hygiene items, which will be distributed by the airline to both women’s organisations on 8 March – International Women’s Day.

The initiative comes at the beginning of the Year of Zayed, a year-long celebration across the United Arab Emirates and overseas, that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of the UAE’s founding father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, showcasing his values of sharing, giving, nurturing, and among other things, advocating the rights of women.Etihad Airways Area Manager Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh Dougie Douglas said: “Since launching this initiative on Valentine’s Day, we have been absolutely overwhelmed by the tremendous response with the great interest, enthusiasm and support promised for this worthy cause. 

“Etihad Airways has been at the forefront of driving initiatives for the community across the globe over the years, and this is the latest to demonstrate our commitment to those requiring help in times of need. International Women’s Day is a perfect platform to salute women and recognise their vital role as pillars in society.”