The Women Advancement Establishment (Nama) has called for intensification of international efforts to support refugee women professionally, economically and socially. The women empowerment organisation, which works to move the status of women beyond equality to ensuring they become fully productive members of society, made the plea during a visit by its delegation to the Syrian Refugees Empowerment Programme, a subsidiary of Jordan's International Rescue Committee (Jordan IRC) in Amman.

In alignment with the vision of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of Nama and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, the delegation used its visit to advocate essential training, social care and job opportunities for women displaced from their homes.

The delegation comprised Reem BinKaram, director of Nama; Erum Mazher Alvie, senior advisor at Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi Executive Office and Member of Nama's executive committee; and Lina Hamdan, Nama project manager. Also present were Raghda Taryam and Ali Al Khayal, board members of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI); Nabila Al Khayyal, human resources expert; and representatives of 'Jeans for Refugees,' a charity initiative that raises funds for displaced persons.

The delegation discussed with representatives of Jordan IRC ways to enhance mutual cooperation for supporting refugee women in the region. The delegation gained first-hand experience of the small enterprises managed by women under the Syrian Refugee Women's Empowerment Programme in Irbid, Ramtha and Al Mafraq, the cities in Jordan that host the largest number of Syrian refugees.

"Women are the most affected group of refugees due to their great family responsibilities. In line with the directives of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, we seek to mobilise international efforts to provide all means of support and economic empowerment, especially in poor and middle-income regions affected by instability caused by conflict and natural disasters," said Reem BinKaram.

On the sidelines of its visit, the delegation handed £100,000 (Dh440,000) to IRC Jordan. The amount was collected by selling the personal overcoat of Sheikha Jawaher to SCCI through a charity auction at the Saatchi Gallery in London in October 2016.

Renowned fashion designer Johnny Dar, founder of Jeans for Refugees, said: "It is an honour to support the work of the International Rescue Committee who are helping refugees around the world, and bringing safety, power and stability back to people who have suffered the consequences disasters like war and famine. I hope the visit to Jordan inspires further collaboration and creativity in support of the refugee cause."

Raghda Taryam said: "Philanthropy and giving are deeply rooted in UAE society, thanks to the vision of our wise leadership. We are committed to following the altruistic approach laid by our leaders out of our belief that helping refugees and those in need is not just a noble deed, but a human duty. SCCI will always be part of such leading charity initiatives."

Source: Khaleej Times