AUS And NAMA Establish First Women’s Leadership Chair In UAE
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has partnered with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA) to introduce the Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women’s Leadership. This initiative is supported by a AED15 million grant from NAMA, marking the first endowed chair dedicated to women's leadership and development in the UAE.
H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of NAMA, is honoured through this multidisciplinary chair for her significant contributions to women's education. This partnership underscores NAMA's dedication to creating an environment where women can access knowledge, services, support systems, and resources.

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher expressed, "Women will always be a valuable asset in their society, worthy of investment. When we pledged to support and empower female students and researchers around the world, we held great confidence in the exceptional women who are passionate about giving back to their communities. This partnership with AUS marks another milestone in Sharjah’s path towards advancing women in the educational field. We will continue to promote initiatives that raise awareness about the benefits of education for women and persist in building and advancing research facilities."
AUS President Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi highlighted the alignment of this initiative with AUS's mission. "The Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women's Leadership dovetails with the AUS ethos of empowering everyone to realise their full potential and make a valuable contribution to society. This initiative, possible thanks to the visionary leadership of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher and NAMA, has the potential to empower and inspire generations of women leaders. AUS is committed to building an inclusive environment where women excel, and this chair is a powerful expression of that commitment, driving research, education, and outreach that will elevate the status of women in UAE and beyond."
This collaboration with NAMA will enable AUS to advance significantly in women's studies and broaden its academic offerings. The establishment of this chair aims to foster a future where women are recognised as equal contributors to society.
The AED15 million endowment signifies a major step forward for both institutions in promoting women's leadership and development within the UAE. It also reflects a broader commitment to gender equality and empowerment through education.
This initiative is expected to drive research, education, and outreach efforts that will enhance the status of women not only within the UAE but also globally.
The partnership between AUS and NAMA represents a shared vision for empowering women through education and leadership opportunities. It aims at creating lasting impacts on women's roles in various sectors by providing them with necessary tools and resources.
This endowed chair is set to play a crucial role in shaping future policies and programs aimed at supporting women's advancement across different fields.
This collaboration reaffirms both organisations' dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive academically and professionally.
The new chair will serve as a catalyst for change by promoting initiatives that highlight the importance of women's education and continuous development.
By establishing this chair, AUS aims to inspire future generations of female leaders who will contribute significantly to their communities.
The partnership is poised to create substantial opportunities for female students and researchers at AUS, enhancing their academic experiences while contributing positively to societal growth.
With inputs from WAM