UAE Embassy in Paris renews partnership with domestic violence charity

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Paris has renewed its partnership with “Léa Solidarité Femmes” (LSF), a charity specialising in assisting women and children subject to domestic and family violence. 

The renewed support from the Embassy of the UAE will enable LSF to enhance its anti-poverty services and refurbish its premises at the Maison Solidarité Femmes.

The embassy has also announced the organisation of a trip to the UAE for several women and children supported by LSF. As well as enabling them to experience the richness and diversity of Emirati culture, the group will be able to learn about the Emirati values of empowering women and protecting children, inspired by the principles of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Hend Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to France, said, “The renewal of this partnership highlights the importance attached by the UAE to the empowerment of women and the protection of children as key facets for social cohesion. The Embassy is pleased to contribute to the UAE's international actions to support women and children and to reaffirm its commitments to the centre, particularly as the need for such support continues to grow. As we deepen our relationship with LSF, I was again deeply moved to hear the stories of these women undergoing difficult challenges. This support is part of the embassy’s efforts to help alleviate some of the difficulties they face.” 

Patricia Rouff, founder and director of Léa Solidarité Femmes, said, “We are honoured by the trust placed in us by the United Arab Emirates. It is with partners who are committed to the long term that we can carry out our mission to provide better support for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. We would like to thank the embassy once again for this exceptional day of solidarity and sport.”

The Embassy supported the creation of the first emergency shelter in the LSF network, “Maison Solidarité Femmes 91”, which has since provided shelter for more than 80 women and children.

In 2023, more than 1,500 women benefited from LSF's anti-poverty services through the provision of basic necessities and safe spaces for women and children who were victims of domestic and family violence. This support will also enable two new professionals to be recruited to the LSF team- a clinical psychologist and an early childhood educator.