SCC’s committee praises NAMA’s role in women empowerment

This came during the committee’s visit to NAMA’s headquarters in Sharjah City as part of its work during the third ordinary session of the eleventh legislative term. The visit was headed by Saeed Matar bin Hamed Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Committee, and attended by committee members Abdullah Rashid bin Maadan Al Ketbi, Humaid Obaid Al Hammoudi, Abdullah Ali Al Badawi Al Hosani, Abdullah Salem bin Turaish Al Kaabi, and Sheikha Al Dhinin Al Naqbi, member of the Consultative Council. Also attending from the Council’s General Secretariat were Abdullah Al Soofi, Secretary-General of the Council, and Dr Islam Al Shiwi, Media Expert. Representing the establishment were Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Hammadi, Director-General of NAMA Women Advancement, along with several staff members and department directors.

Strengthening cooperation with community institutions

At the outset of the visit, Saeed Matar bin Hamed Al Tunaiji affirmed that the visit falls within the Consultative Council’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and integration with community and development institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah, and to reviewing pioneering experiences that contribute to supporting family stability and cohesion. He praised NAMA’s qualitative achievements, which have made it an advanced model in the field of women empowerment both locally and globally.

Al Tunaiji expressed the committee’s great appreciation for the efforts exerted by the establishment in translating Sharjah’s vision based on investing in people and strengthening women’s role as a key partner in sustainable development.

He stressed that NAMA’s achievements reflect a comprehensive concept of empowerment that combines economic, social, and knowledge empowerment, while enhancing women’s presence across various vital sectors, making them a fundamental element in community building and sustainable development. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening integration between the establishment’s programmes and the requirements for preserving the cohesion of the Emirati family, in addition to aligning women’s skills with the needs of the digital economy and modern investment opportunities.

NAMA highlights its global achievements

For her part, Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Hammadi presented a comprehensive overview of NAMA’s journey since its establishment in 2015, explaining that the organisation was launched with a strategic vision aimed at empowering women to access more sustainable and influential opportunities across various economic and knowledge sectors. This has been achieved through qualitative programmes and initiatives focusing on education, health, economy, and women’s social standing.

She pointed out that the establishment has succeeded in reaching more than 600,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries in over 35 countries through specialised programmes and initiatives, alongside implementing broad international and community partnerships in capacity building, scientific research, and community development. She affirmed that the establishment operates from a vision that believes building more just and sustainable societies begins with providing a supportive environment for women and promoting equal opportunities for them.

Academic partnerships and research grants

The meeting also addressed several files related to academic and research partnerships under the umbrella of the “Jawaher Grant for Women’s Academic Advancement”. Al Hammadi explained that the establishment has cooperated with universities inside and outside the UAE to establish endowment chairs that support women in completing master’s degree studies, in addition to providing research grants for male and female students and faculty members to conduct studies focusing on women’s issues and empowerment.

She affirmed that the establishment seeks to build a comprehensive database and integrated statistics on the reality of women’s conditions, contributing to supporting decision-making and developing future policies and programmes based on knowledge and the actual needs of society.

Discussions on women empowerment and family stability

The discussions touched on several issues related to women empowerment and family stability, with committee members stressing the importance of providing supportive environments that enable women to achieve their professional and societal aspirations.

Her Excellency Mariam Al Hammadi explained that the establishment views empowering women as empowerment of the family and society as a whole, and is keen on involving men in programmes and community dialogues to strengthen a culture of integration and balance within the family.

NAMA also affirmed during the meeting its commitment to continuing cooperation with various governmental and private institutions, as well as civil society organisations, to develop sustainable initiatives that respond to women’s needs, enhance quality of life, and reinforce women’s position as key partners in the journey of social and economic development.

Appreciation for Sharjah’s leadership in supporting women

At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation of the Sharjah Consultative Council expressed its deep appreciation for the tremendous efforts exerted by NAMA Women Advancement , and for the role of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, in supporting women’s and family issues.

They affirmed that the achievements realised by the establishment represent a civilised and humanitarian model reflecting the pioneering position of the Emirate of Sharjah in supporting and empowering women locally and globally.