We are a governmental organization that works with local and international organizations to create a more equitable world for women by taking a holistic approach to economic and social growth that empowers women.
NAMA Women Advancement was founded in 2015 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.
At NAMA, we are determined to mobilize the means required to create enabling environments to advance gender equity and inclusive economic and social growth. NAMA’s efforts stem from its core philosophy that women advancement is a fundamental requirement for the sustainable development of nations.
Through its affiliates; Sharjah Business Women Council and Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, we design and implement initiatives that support women across the economic, professional and social sectors.
We also engage with grass-roots and international organizations as part of our comprehensive approach towards developing an ecosystem in which women’s full potential is realized.
An Equitable World for Women.
Provide an enabling environment for women to access knowledge, services, support systems and resources, through a development network that advances them to reach their highest potential.
A big heart by birth, humanitarian by nature and social activist by choice, HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, is one of the most respected and inspirational visionaries in the Arab world. She has helped to empower women, girls, youth, families, refugees, patients, entrepreneurs and entire communities in the UAE, the Middle East, and beyond. Her numerous initiatives have touched millions of lives affected by war, poverty, cancer, disabilities, abuse and much more. As Her Highness focuses on various aspects of life in the community, she develops numerous causes including social, cultural, philanthropic, and sporting causes.
Her Highness has always felt that success is measured by the trust and respect she earns from her people. Her greatest joy is serving her society and she constantly strives to lead by the example she sets. Her Highness views failure as an opportunity to work harder and sees it as a chance to give even more of her energy and dedication to achieve success. Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, is Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in the United Arab Emirates; and a prominent humanitarian and philanthropist whose many roles include the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children. She is also a leading advocate of numerous social causes such as cancer awareness, education, entrepreneurship, children's and women's empowerment and cultural heritage among others.
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, was conferred an honorary PhD by the Board of Trustees of the University of Sharjah in recognition of her humanitarian and social achievements locally, regionally and internationally, and its pioneering and qualitative initiatives, including its establishment of the Sharjah Women's Club and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs that serve the social sector in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Her Highness was awarded an honorary certificate of Official Recognition of Dan Grade from the President of the Emirati and The Asian Federations, and Vice President of the International Karate Federation, in appreciation of Her Highness’s efforts and interest in serving the future of women’s sport in Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates.
Her most prominent awards and recognitions include:
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohamed Al Qasimi, receives a recognition title "The Leading Personality of Social Work" from the Council of Ministers of Social Affairs in the Gulf Cooperation Countries for 2022 in recognition of her social and humanitarian efforts in the region and the world.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi was awarded The Medal of Social Work Pioneers by The Sociological Association 2020.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi was elected as the Distinguished Educational Personality of the Year 2019 in recognition of her support for education during the 25th edition of the Sharjah Award for Excellence and Educational Excellence.
Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi was honored in the "UAE Pioneers 2017" for her impact on supporting Syrian refugees since 2013 and in collecting more than 57 million dirhams for health care, relief materials, clothing, blankets, shelter and food as well as education through The Big Heart Foundation.
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi has received King Abdullah II Award for Excellence 2015-2016 a major award for child care. The accolade, was given in recognition of the high-quality report submitted by Sharjah Health Promotion Department, which was titled 'The Innovative Role of Sharjah in Childcare!
Received the Golden Erbse Award 2015 from the German Centre for Fairy Tale Culture for her humanitarian efforts. The award recognizes Sheikha Jawaher’s global advocacy work on behalf of women, refugee children, cancer patients, the needy and the vulnerable.
Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi was honored by "Beirut Institute Summit" that was held in Abu Dhabi in October 2015 in recognition of her humanitarian work.
Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi has received The Golden Humanitarian Personality of the Year award by the Watani Emarat Humanitarian Work Award in 2014. This is in recognition of her contribution to humanitarian work locally and internationally as well as Her Highness’ unlimited support for cancer patients and refugee children.
The Sharjah office of the National Media Council (NMC) has presented a special Commemorative Plaque as a token of appreciation to Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi. The plaque recognizes Sheikha Jawaher’s role in helping Sharjah rise into the Capital of Islamic Culture.
The Big heart Foundation succeeded to raise $14.5 Million in 2014 to support the Syrian refugees in Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon and other neighboring countries which focused in the beginning on emergency needs such as medical interventions, food and shelters. Then, during winter it focused on providing blankets and warm clothing and in February 2014 they launched a new phase focused on equipping refugee children in a sustainable, forward-thinking way through education.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Eminent Advocate 2013, In recognition of her contributions to refugees across the region, in 2013 Sheikha Jawaher was appointed as Eminent Advocate for refugee children of the UNHCR. In this role she has raised awareness and funds for Syrian refugee children and visiting the refugees. She advocates a long-term approach that empowers refugee children through education.
UAE Businesswomen Award 2007.
The First Arab Lady Award by the Arab Women Participation Office, 2007.
Honorary recognition for her services to the girl guides and boy scout’s movement from the Olave Baden-Powell Society – presented by Princess Benedikte of Denmark.
International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration, and the first World Cancer Declaration International Ambassador for Pediatric Cancer.
In 2007, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher raised AED83 million (US$22.7 million) for Palestinian children, collaborating with Oxfam, Save the Children Fund and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) among many others.
Following Israeli air strikes on Lebanon in 2006, ‘Bahibkya Lebanon’ raised AED23 million (US$6.3 million) for Lebanese charity associations. Also ‘TayerjahBahrakAzrak’ campaign was launched & it raised AED1 million (US$274,000), through a concert with acclaimed Lebanese singer Majda Al Roumi, to restore the natural beauty of the war-ravaged shores of Lebanon, and resuscitate the country’s tourism industry.
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher contributed AED 3.65 million (US$1 million) for healthcare for Somalian refugees.