Manager of a Sharjah women's shelter is proving an inspiration to all of those around her.
SHARJAH // The head of a women’s shelter is seeking broader understanding and empathy for victims of domestic violence.
Mariam Ahmed Al Hammadi, manager of the Woman Protection Centre, plans to involve those under her care in community activities.
“Even if we help one lady and it is good for her, then our work is worth it. So I want the ladies to interact with society for more understanding,” she said.
“On days like environment day we will talk to them about how important it is to conserve. We will observe women’s day, children’s day, and participate in activities. We have a trainer who teaches them gym work and a salon so they feel confident.”
Since 2012, the Sharjah shelter has cared for 75 women from Asian and Arab nations. Accommodation for women, their children, counselling for families and legal aid is provided.
For Ms Al Hammadi, shifting her career path from administration work with the health authority and Dubai Municipality to dealing directly with abused victims was a big leap.
She called it a learning experience to look after emotionally overwrought women who may have faced violence or infidelity.
“We started from scratch. When the first lady entered in January 2012 she was not the only one scared, we were all scared because it was our first time also,” she said.
To get a better understanding of how to help people, Ms Al Hammadi and her colleagues visited other centres in the social system network. Staff were instructed about how to do paperwork and how to deal gently with women “facing a crack in their lives”.
Lawyer Hissa Al Shamsi said she learned greatly from the teamwork of Ms Al Hammadi.
“She explains decisions and shares information. She always wants to understand and learn so that encourages everyone.”
Nurse Sharon Vios said she learned to be open minded about patients from her mentor.
“She is strict, but has an open heart so we can talk to her. She supports us to go for training to improve our knowledge.”
Ms Al Hammadi said her mother has been a defining presence in her life, even three years after her death from cancer.
“My mother told me how to be tough when dealing with problems and be soft with people.”
Every new victim appealing for help has taught her about the virtue of patience.
“If you saw me before I was totally different, because I would get angry. But now I have become more quiet. I believe everything can be better if I work hard.”
Her husband, an Etisalat engineer, provides her with a strong support structure to help her juggle a demanding job and four young children.
While focused on her career and continuous improvement, she still, however, manages to retain a sense of humour.
“My mother told me, ‘Family is important, but improving yourself is more important. Because if you stay the same the family will stay the same. If you encourage yourself, it will affect your family so they will improve with you.’ But sometimes it is very difficult, believe me. Sometimes I tell my kids I will run away.”
rtalwar@thenational.ae
