The NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, NAMA, an initiative of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the University of Sharjah, UoS, to offer women’s empowerment as an academic programme.

The MoU provides a general framework for cooperation that would contribute to strengthening NAMA’s efforts in supporting women’s equality and independence in economic, social and professional sectors.

Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA, and Dr. Humaid Majol Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of UoS, signed the MoU at the campus in University City. Attending the signing ceremony were Professor Al Siddiq Ahmed Al Mustafa Al Sheikh, Vice Chancellor of UOS for Academic Affairs, Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor of UoS for Community Affairs, NAMA representatives and the university’s faculty.

The three-year agreement stipulates that UoS will be offering diplomas and bachelor’s degree programmes specialising in studies on women's empowerment. Under the terms of the MoU, NAMA and UoS will exchange and disseminate a number of research and study sources related to women’s empowerment.

They will also cooperate in organising conferences and forums and provide statistics and surveys offering integrated databases of students and researchers in the field of women's studies.

Reem BinKaram said, "Scientific and academic institutions meet all the criteria for strategic partnerships related to women's empowerment initiatives. Consistent research and sound academic studies are overseen by experts mean that theories and suppositions can be examined and evaluated with scientific accuracy."

"The agreement will enhance the chances of turning the findings and recommendations into projects aimed at advancing the status of women and building on their active roles in society," she added.

The NAMA Director said that a joint committee has been set up to implement the agreement and develop the partnership, formulating strategic plans concerning training and research that will be carried out by the two parties in the next stage.

Dr. Humaid Majol Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of UoS, said, "We are delighted to be involved in this agreement. NAMA has proved its leadership in women's empowerment through the innovative projects and programmes it has launched, which have led to the graduation of many highly successful women entrepreneurs."

Al Nuaimi added, "We believe in the pivotal role played by educational institutions to help fulfil the potential of all community members, and the University of Sharjah is committed to offering the best training and education services. Under the MoU, we will provide the scientific library with research and studies that monitor the reality of working women and highlight job opportunities available in the labour market.

The MoU is the first cooperation agreement of its kind between NAMA and an academic institution in the field of higher education and scientific research in the UAE. The agreement underscores NAMA’s focus on curriculum and modern scientific studies in its journey towards the stage of full empowerment of women.

Established by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, NAMA is chaired by Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi. The organisation encourages policies and legislation to support women and actively pursues programmes that promote integration into all sectors and abolish unjust and discriminatory policies.