Pioneering Empowerment

We ask Disability Empowerment Consultant, Fatma Al Jassim, about empowering People of Determination and increasing inclusion

Tell us about your business – what inspired the idea and when did you start it? 
My initiative was inspired by my day-to-day life. I realised that there is a gap when it comes to the inclusion and disability sector. I want to bridge those gaps and empower People of Determination around the world through my voluntary work and by offering my skills through accessibility, assistive technologies, and inclusive programme development among other services and consultations.

What do you consider to be your greatest personal and professional achievements?
I have dedicated my life to paving the way for future generations of People of Determination. My biggest achievement is being able to guide and advise governments, companies, and individuals in this sector. I have been fortunate enough to become the youngest advisory council member for empowering people of Determination and the first youth delegate in the UNCRPD and the first Emirati accessibility professional.

What were your biggest business challenges? How did you overcome them?
The fact that I started from a very young age and the fact that the sector is still developing in the region are two of the main challenges I faced. In order to be heard, I need to prove my expertise by gaining international qualifications that will demonstrate that. I have what it takes and let my work speak for itself.

What advice would you give to the younger generation that might want to follow in your footsteps? 
Be brave. Stand up for what you believe in no matter the cost. Say yes to being adventurous. 

How do you cope with the daily stress of managing your business?
All my work is voluntary for now. As a graduate student and a consultant. I try my best to manage my time wisely between all of this. Time management is key.

How does social media make you feel in general?
Generally, I believe that social media platforms are double-edged swords. It depends on how you use them.  As an activist, they have offered me the chance to educate and share my views with the entire world and connect with people who share my cause and for that, I’m forever grateful. However, I intentionally lowered my presence on those platforms in the past year or so because they can be overwhelming and distracting.

Do you feel that magazines, brands, and PR agencies lack diversity in this region? Do you feel you are included and represented? 
We still have a long way to go in this regard. We need authentic representation rather than simply checking boxes. Having said that, we are getting there I think with the help of platforms like yours and a government that believes in the power of diversity and giving its people a voice. I just think that we need more voices to be heard in the media.

What message would you like to give to women out there? 
The importance of being there for each other and standing by each day in and day out.

If you look back over your life and career if you were given the opportunity to do anything differently, would you? 
I do not think I would change anything about my life. Yes, it has been quite a journey, but I wouldn’t because changing the slightest detail would mean that I wouldn’t be the person I am today.  

What is important to you? Have your priorities changed?
I value making a difference no matter how big or small that impact is. What matters is that you are doing your part.  I value being there for family and friends whenever they need me. 

What is your pet peeve?
Arrogance and being ego-centric.

What makes you unique? 
Perhaps what makes me unique is the spirit of initiative. I am always here to support and assist. My doors are always wide open.

Clothing and accessories: Bally
Photography: Aasiya Jagadeesh