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.

- Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

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 firsthand how restoring dignity alongside providing resources could transform lives for entire communities.