Jawaher Al Qasimi launches 'NAMA' Women Advancement Establishment

Following the Emiri Decree issued by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and with the blessing of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, "Mother of the Nation", Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has launched "NAMA" Women Advancement Establishment, which aims to develop opportunities for women in three major sectors; economic, professional and social. Other sectors may be launched under initiatives and programmes implemented by the establishment in the future.

NAMA will be chaired by Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi with its headquarters in her Executive Office in Sharjah. It is mandated to launch, manage and supervise initiatives, programmes and projects to develop women in the country, the region and internationally and in this regard NAMA will collaborate and forge partnerships with local, regional and international bodies.

Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi has appointed Ameera BinKaram, Chairperson of the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), as Deputy Chairperson of NAMA. An advisory council will also be appointed consisting of leaders and officials from local and global organisations and private companies that aim to develop women's status. SBWC and Irthi Council for Traditional Crafts will fall under the umbrella of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment.

NAMA will go beyond the scope of supporting women and ensuring gender equality, to a broader scope that aims to see women become influential key members of society and enable them to climb the ladder of success in all sectors. It will encourage policies and legislation to support women and will actively pursue programmes that support gender integration into all sectors. It will emphasise women's role as an essential element in business and economic sectors on the grounds that women are an important and indispensable human resource for development.

Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi said: "Women are not just an integral element in this world but are the foundation of society and its other half. No nation can make progress and move towards a better future without involving women. We want to go further than the narrow scope of helping women as lesser members into business sectors. We want to establish societies that legislate for women and tap into their capabilities, intellect and abilities, dealing with them as precious human capital that has not yet been optimally invested in."

She pointed out that most strategies set in economic and professional sectors are built on the idea that men are the main players while women only have secondary roles, adding: "This means that women need to adapt to an environment and laws that were basically set to suit men. The only concessions to women are how we can help them to cope with this male oriented environment."

She added: "What women really need is integration via legislation and strategies that provide the right opportunities. Integration means that women and men must be taken into consideration as two genders, each with their own characteristics, assets and capabilities. Therefore, the world must adapt to women's status as is the case with men's. It is time for the world to move to the stage of integration for the advancement of women. In fact, women do not want to be treated as men, but to be treated as women who have their own capabilities and requirements, skills and advantages. This is a fundamental right and the first beneficiary of this right is society as a whole."

NAMA will have a fund to support projects in various parts of the world and will establish a department for conducting research, drawing up strategies, policies, and evaluating innovations for the development of women in the economic, social and professional sectors on a global scale. This department will work with a range of regional and international organisations and companies specialised in these sectors.

Through its initiatives, programmes and sub entities, the "NAMA" Women Advancement Establishment will rally support, unify efforts, set plans and implement local and global initiatives and projects to achieve its goals in collaboration with specialist organisations and companies from all around the world. "NAMA" Women Advancement Establishment will also focus on developing women in the professional sector and will organise training, mentorships, provide advice and examine law and legislation concerning women.

Sheikha Jawaher added, "The establishment of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment is in line with the vision of UAE leaders and of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU) "Mother of the Nation" who believe in the importance of women in all sectors in order to build societies and nations. It also stems from my personal conviction and strong belief that every woman in this world is fundamental for advancement and progress. We are proud that women in Sharjah and the UAE have full rights and receive support and encouragement, enabling them to participate in the development of our country and its success."

The NAMA Women Advancement Establishment aims to move from supporting women in a "man's world" to a new, brighter future in which women will be able to climb the ladder of success and become influential members in society.
Source: WAM