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Guided by a comprehensive strategy, these efforts focused on identifying challenges and opportunities, increasing female workforce participation, and promoting social entrepreneurship while aligning with broader community development goals, while actively collaborating with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
Beyond the UAE, NAMA identified key challenges hindering women’s active participation across various fields, including skills development, entrepreneurship, access to resources and markets, and partnership-building. The organisation firmly believes women in these sectors possess immense potential to drive progress and overcome socio-economic challenges.
Within the UAE, NAMA prioritized equipping women with essential skills for the modern economy, laying the groundwork for their role in shaping the future economy. It also focused on expanding female participation in non-traditional sectors such as AI, heavy industries, and energy; fields where women, particularly in leadership and decision-making roles, remain underrepresented. Through its 2024 initiatives, NAMA aimed to establish a global support network, fostering equal opportunities and ensuring women’s active participation in development.
Reflecting on NAMA’s achievements in 2024, Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA Women Advancement, stated, “Our programs and initiatives are designed to empower women, enhance their skills, and build strong partnerships. By doing so, we contribute to the development of inclusive and progressive societies rooted in fairness and equal opportunity; key pillars for sustainable growth and a prosperous future for all.”
“By addressing the specific needs of women in the UAE and globally, our programmes have demonstrated that creating an enabling environment and facilitating women’s participation contributes significantly to solving many societal challenges. Our strategic goal is to drive lasting positive change by integrating women into economic and social leadership while unlocking their full potential,” she added.
As part of its global empowerment strategy, NAMA launched the NGO Empowerment Programme in Tanzania, supporting women-led organisations through interest-free social loans and capacity-building initiatives in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Over the course of four years, 400 NGO leaders and employees will benefit, while 25 NGOs will receive direct support to enhance their impact within local communities.
Strengthening its global impact, NAMA actively engaged in key international forums, including the 2024 Asian Venture Philanthropy Network in Abu Dhabi and the African Philanthropy Forum in Marrakech, Morocco. Through these platforms, NAMA contributed to discussions on innovative strategies for achieving shared goals and advancing philanthropy in ways that align with local cultural contexts.
In collaboration with Emirates Global Aluminium, NAMA organised a gender diversity workshop to engage industry leaders on strategies for fostering inclusivity in heavy industries. Discussions focused on providing actionable insights to drive long-term gender balance in male-dominated sectors. NAMA also served as a knowledge partner for the Challenger Programme, led by Emirates Global Aluminium, in collaboration with seven major industrial entities. The programme aims to accelerate gender diversity in heavy industries by sharing innovative strategies for workplace inclusion, such as redesigning facilities, revising policies, and attracting female talent.
Recognising the growing role of Artificial Intelligence, NAMA hosted a dedicated workshop exploring AI’s potential to enhance workplace inclusion and fairness. The session underscored the importance of ensuring women hold decision-making roles in AI development, resulting in mitigating bias and fostering ethical AI systems.
During 2024 the establishment also launched ‘NAMA Connect’, an interactive platform designed to facilitate dialogue among women, identify their challenges, and tailor programmes to their needs. Over 250 women participated in discussions covering financial literacy, agricultural entrepreneurship, as well as AI, hosting expert speakers from leading organisations, including Sharjah Islamic Bank, Amazon, and the American University of Sharjah.
Continuing its efforts to champion financial independence, NAMA conducted its Financial Literacy Programme, equipping 140 participants with essential skills in budgeting, saving, investing, and personal finance management. Financial literacy is fundamental to both individuals and businesses, serving as a key pillar of women’s economic and social empowerment. By promoting financial security, independence, and better savings habits, the programme helps close the economic gender gap and supports women in launching their ventures.
Another highlight in 2024 was the launch of the Nomu Women Programme as part of a strategic partnership with the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation and with the support from the University of Sharjah and several leading institutions. The programme sought to develop leadership, analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and creativity among young women from the UAE and the wider Arab region.
Following a comprehensive research study conducted in partnership with the Department of Statistics and Community Development and involving over 1,000 women in Sharjah, the programme delivered intensive training to 40 young women. Over five weeks, participants received expert-led sessions on leadership, problem-solving, and innovation, equipping them with the confidence and skills to enter the job market competently and resiliently.
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