Bazaar Belief: H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram On Her life Defining Moment, Proudest Achievement, And Greatest Joy
Her Excellency shares what family means to her, key life lessons, and what the future entails…
Her Excellency is a dynamic leader who strives for a high bar in all her endeavours. Led by the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement, Reem’s work at the council focuses on women’s economic empowerment, gender equity, cultural heritage, youth skills development, and entrepreneurship.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): What part of your work are you most proud of?
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: Empowering thousands of people by breaking stereotypes together, by facing fears and insecurities together, by standing up to cancer and standing up for each other through volunteerism, by skilling younger generations, by taking artisanal skills to top fashion runways around the world. Through the entities I work in, we have helped the beneficiaries of various campaigns and programmes see their innate potential, harness it, and celebrate it fully.
HBA: What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: I can be boundlessly creative – no idea or creative concept is too outlandish or unrealistic when it comes to envisioning ba new collaboration for Irthi’s artisans and designers, for example. The other aspect I enjoy is the end result of our projects – all the creativity, collaboration and imagination transforms into empowerment for the women who bring our ideas to life.
HBA: The future is…
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: Shaped by what you do today.
HBA: What does family mean to you?
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: Family means everything to me. They are my anchor, my sounding board and the reason I want to do better every day.
HBA: Can we have everything (and what does that mean)?
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: Depends on what one’s outlook on the phrase is. It’s dangerous territory as at times it could be a tiring, mindless pursuit. In my opinion, we can have it all – and then some more – if we are able to find happiness and fulfilment in simple things.
HBA: What effect do you have on others?
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: I try to be as good a listener as I can be, empathise with people and their circumstances, and try to bring positivity
to the room I walk into.
HBA: The key to success is?
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: Dialogue, collaboration and swift adaptation to change.
HBA: Advice to someone launching in your field?
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: Being a keen listener and never hesitating to ask for advice.
HBA: My greatest joy is…
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: Seeing people around me happy.
HBA: What life defining moment changed the way you think about everything?
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: Losing three members of my family was the moment or the incident that changed my outlook towards life forever. It reminded me of the impermanence of life, taught me to live in the present, focus on the here and now, and now preoccupy myself with the future. Also, I have noticed that I am more vocal and open now about expressing to my family and friends how much I love and appreciate them and I don’t wait for a special occasion to do it.
HBA: What key lessons have you learnt and who taught them to you?
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: The most valuable lesson my mother instilled in me is the power of patience. It is a vital tool for navigating the unpredictable twists and turns of life, providing the strength to weather even the most challenging circumstances and revel in life’s joys. By embracing patience, you can unlock a sense of personal growth and inner peace, enabling you to face any obstacle with grace and resilience.
HBA: Proudest achievement?
H.E Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram: Building a community, and a safe and positive place of coexistence and understanding among people from different backgrounds through music.
Compiled by Natasha Faruque
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s June 2023 Issue
