We seek an equitable world for women, says NAMA DG

Interested in the heavy stuff of numbers normally associated with men, an Emirati from Sharjah is leading a movement, which, in the past decade, has helped women fuel their potential for nation-building.

She is Mariam Al Hammadi, the Director General of the NAMA Women Advancement (NAMA), and an Advisory Board member of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) which she had marshalled as director from 2017 to 2023 and as Director General from 2023 to February 28, 2025.

For these roles, Al Hammadi, a holder of Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, summoned up her times at the Emirates Airlines where she used to be the Credit Risk officer.

“Although I would later discover that my true calling was not confined to financial systems, this role gave me invaluable insights into high-stakes decision-making and analytical processes. A skill-set I would directly apply to managing complex humanitarian programmes when I had the honour of serving as Director General of The Big Heart Foundation.

“Equipped with the knowledge and skills, and knowing the importance of operational excellence and strategic mindset, this helped me in leading TBHF’s impactful initiatives across more than 25 countries, reaching over four million individuals. I cherish those years, as I witnessed first-hand how restoring dignity alongside providing resources could transform lives for entire communities.

“Today, at NAMA Women Advancement, I build on that foundation of humanitarian service but with a sharper focus on structural change for women specifically. It is a natural progression with NAMA being in the development sector, and through championing sustainable impact, I could not be more honoured to put my heart into our important mission.”

Al Hammadi shared with Gulf Today her own steps and advances as August 28 is Emirati Women’s Day.

The 2025 theme is “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years,” as directed by Mother of the Nation, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak. It is in consonance with the UAE’s “Year of Community.”

That, as the UAE leadership encourages locals, residents and even guests to contribute, such as their knowledge and time, for continuing national progress and development, the Emirati Women’s Day 2025 theme serves as a reminder of the half-a-century journey of self-discoveries and consequent milestones, in connection with Sheikha Fatima’s August 27, 1975-formation of the General Women’s Union (GWU).

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, GWU is the “umbrella organisation for existing women’s associations to serve as the national mechanism for empowering and advancing women in the nation.”

Under the chairmanship of Her Highness Shiekha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the creation of NAMA was under the directive of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in 2015. Al Hammadi said: “Our vision is simple yet profound: an equitable world for women, ensuring that equality is not just promised. But practised as a foundation for thriving societies.”

Data have shown that NAMA has assisted in enabling women gain the wisdom necessary, out of vital know-how, on economics and trade, education and research, and peacekeeping through its international arrangements – at least in the past three years – particularly with the UN Women in South Africa, the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders in Bangladesh and Indonesia, and the National University of Sciences & Technology in Pakistan.

That equality is possible, Al Hammadi said, citing her own self as the “witness” to what women are capable and built of, given the chance and provided with all the opportunities: “Empowerment is not about changing a single life. But transforming the very fabric of societies. The ripples from the individual to the collective.”

That boost because of belongingness.

Looking at the bigger picture: “Because at NAMA, we do not view empowerment as isolated programmes. We look at the bigger picture, including policy frameworks, cultural shifts, grassroots leadership, and long-term resilience. We place women at the centre of development, ensuring that social change is felt at every level. From the households to the global stage,” said Al Hammadi, who knows as well, from whom and how she would keep on pressing on.

From her “community, faith, and the inspiring women I work with every day,” without shelving her “family and her own “personal renewal.”