DUBAI // What started as an internet forum to bring together mums from the subcontinent for chats over coffee, has grown into a fully fledged support group where women from the UAE’s Indian and Pakistani community also plan charity drives for construction workers.
Founded by Hena Khan last year with the aim of linking the mothers from both communities, the UAE Mums Facebook group has grown from 400 to 9,000 members and also offers advice for families.
“Before this there were either total Indian or total Pakistani groups, which missed the essence of togetherness, plus when we women get together we can do so much,” said Ms Khan, who was born in the UAE.
The group has distributed rice, lentils, prepared food parcels and collected soap, toothpaste and other necessities as part of numerous projects in labour camps.
The mums’ next plan is to come up with a plan to collect warm clothes and blankets to help workers through the winter.
“The concept was we drink coffee, we chit-chat and we also give back. It helps to bring people together who want to help but don’t know how,” said Ms Khan.
Apart from a popular Facebook page, the group has branched out to a blog that deals with social issues. Another sub-group for classifieds has about 16,500 members encourages mothers with local businesses. This ranges from henna application, beauty salon services, embroidery, the sale of clothes, jewellery, dental services or relocation information.
An enthusiastic and dedicated bunch of volunteers helps Ms Khan, a Pakistani mother of three, to monitor the sites so women can freely share their experiences. These volunteer mums work in two-hour shifts until 3.30am, checking the pages as the online chatter they generate rarely dies down.
The group also reaches out to those struggling to cope at home but feel unable to seek outside help about personal family matters. “We have a life coach who gives free advice if we get a serious case, like in one instance when a lady said she was being beaten,” Ms Khan said.
“We also have a weight-loss programme where our coach posts a diet and exercise plan with videos. It is a very active group.”
The safety, security and privacy the group promises encourages women to share experiences, said Sunaina Vohra, a youth and family life coach who runs Athena Life Coaching.
“You feel safe here because it is a well looked after and structured group so women can post what they want. People ask questions and get answers but I came in because there was also a need for a professional to help,” said the Indian mother of two.
“Questions can be asked anonymously and since their identity will not be revealed, people are comfortable asking difficult questions. They feel they will get the right guidance here.”
Women dealing with difficult teenage children, struggling with joint family issues or even in conflict with their husband have privately had their queries answered.
Initially aimed at building a bridge between the Indian and Pakistani communities and transforming hostility back home into friendships in the UAE, the women involved have developed strong ties within this close-knit circle.
“Our bond is so strong that whatever happens back home, we have become friends, said Anindita Sah, an Indian activity manager for the websites and mother of a toddler.
“This is truly a lesson about how education starts at home because as you learn there is no real difference between people, your children learn that too. And where there is understanding, there is brotherhood. So we don’t come with any preconceived notions and there is bonding and we all hope and believe this culture will remain.”
The group can be found at facebook.com/groups/UAEMUMS
rtalwar@thenational.ae
