Over recent decades, the UAE has undergone a significant transformation in its approach to women’s empowerment, establishing it as a national focus supported by comprehensive policies and strategies, including the National Policy for Women’s Empowerment 2023-2031. This initiative positions equal participation of women as a cornerstone for sustainable development.
On Emirati Women’s Day, the “Nama” Foundation, dedicated to the promotion of women in Sharjah, stands out as a national platform aimed at expanding economic and social participation for women through training programs and supportive policies that enhance their roles in the labor market and entrepreneurship.
The “Irthi” Council for Contemporary Crafts is also committed to preserving and modernizing traditional crafts, ensuring their sustainability while transforming them into a source of creativity and economic viability that connects new generations to their cultural roots and opens doors to global markets.
Since its inception in 2015 under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and led by his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Muhammad Al Qasimi, “Nama” has adopted a comprehensive approach to empowerment that goes beyond temporary support, establishing a sustainable environment that equips women with the tools necessary for impactful participation across economic, social, cultural, and political spheres. This includes combining policies, legislation, and field programs along with launching impactful initiatives such as “Irtiqaa” to promote equality and equal opportunities in workplaces, and the “Financial Literacy” program to develop women’s skills in managing their resources.
The foundation has also introduced a platform called “Nama Dialogues” to facilitate interactive discussions on life issues that support informed decision-making. It played a crucial role in the implementation of the “Care Leave” policy in the Government of Sharjah for working mothers to care for their children with disabilities or chronic illnesses, based on an extensive review of laws and policies to meet the needs of this demographic.
The Irthi Council for Contemporary Crafts epitomizes the UAE’s model for safeguarding traditional crafts while developing them within contemporary contexts, merging identity with innovation. The council believes that crafts are essential tools for empowerment and reflect identity, serving as a bridge to connect with the world. Through specialized training programs in the UAE, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, the council enables artisans to transform their skills into Emirati-branded products that can compete in global markets.
Thanks to its partnerships with renowned international platforms such as the London Design Festival and Milan Design Week, the council has established sustainable markets for handicraft products and has contributed to the designation of Sharjah as a UNESCO Creative City in the field of Talli crafts. This approach intertwines cultural, economic, and social aspects, preserving the essence of crafts as a cultural heritage while employing it as a tool to enhance women’s presence in the developmental journey.
The initiatives and efforts of “Nama” and “Irthi” underscore the fact that providing Emirati women with the opportunity to prove themselves is a solid reality backed by measurable results. Transitioning to a structured institutional empowerment approach has made women in the UAE equal partners in shaping the future, supported by wise governmental policies and pioneering institutions committed to continuous efforts. This spans from families to international organizations, resulting in a generation of Emirati women capable of influencing and enacting change locally and globally within a sustainable development framework that involves all segments of society.
Thus, “Nama” and “Irthi” lay the groundwork for a conceptual shift in empowerment – from being merely a developmental need to a strategic choice for future-making. Empowerment transcends the mere provision of opportunities to building sustainable systems that redefine the relationship between women and society, bridging identity and economy, heritage and modernity.