NAMA brought together 36 senior leaders, policymakers, and representatives from the public and private sectors for a workshop titled “Building Inclusive Workplaces Through Male Allyship” in Sharjah. The session, held under NAMA’s Irtiqa initiative, focused on how caregiving responsibilities shape workplace experiences and how men can become active allies in fostering equitable environments.
H.E. Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA, said: “Family and work are deeply interconnected, and decisions made in one inevitably shape the other. Advancing women’s participation is not simply about creating opportunities; it requires workplace cultures that recognise caregiving responsibilities and enable both women and men to balance their professional and family roles.” She added: “At NAMA, we believe thriving workplaces are built through shared responsibility. Through Irtiqa, we partner with organisations to help shape workplaces where equal opportunities, shared responsibility and people-centred leadership become part of everyday practice.”
From awareness to actionable change
Participants engaged in interactive exercises including “24-Hours Clock” and “Workplace Dynamics Mapping” to analyze real-life organizational scenarios. These activities helped identify unconscious biases and everyday challenges that hinder inclusivity. The session culminated in “From Awareness to Action,” where attendees translated insights into practical recommendations for individuals, leaders, and organizations.
The workshop emphasized tangible outcomes: policies that normalize caregiving as a shared duty, leadership behaviors that model balance, and cultural shifts that reduce stigma around parental leave for men. These steps aim to strengthen organizational performance and long-term sustainability by unlocking broader talent pools.
Driving institutional change
The Irtiqa initiative, launched under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of NAMA, supports organizations in embedding inclusive practices that promote equal opportunities and enable everyone to contribute, grow, and succeed. This workshop is one of several efforts under Irtiqa to embed people-centred leadership into institutional frameworks across Sharjah and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the NAMA male allyship workshop held?
The workshop took place in Sharjah, UAE, hosted by NAMA under its Irtiqa initiative.
What is the Irtiqa initiative by NAMA?
Irtiqa is NAMA's initiative to support organizations in embedding inclusive practices, promoting equal opportunities, and enabling shared caregiving responsibilities.
How does NAMA involve men in workplace inclusivity?
NAMA engages men through workshops like 'Building Inclusive Workplaces Through Male Allyship', focusing on shared caregiving and equitable leadership behaviors.
What activities were part of NAMA's allyship workshop?
Interactive exercises included the '24-Hours Clock' and 'Workplace Dynamics Mapping' to address biases and challenges in inclusivity.
Why is shared caregiving emphasized in UAE workplaces?
Shared caregiving reduces gender disparities by enabling both women and men to balance professional and family roles, fostering organizational resilience.
