Celebrating Women in Fintech: An Interview with Fatma Anwar Sajwani
On the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD), Economy Middle East had the privilege of interviewing Fatma Anwar Sajwani, a Senior Partnerships Manager at Amazon UAE. As a prominent Emirati woman in the fintech industry, Sajwani’s role is both complex and dynamic, encompassing partnerships, innovation, and technology. In this interview, she shares her career journey and insights from her unique position at Amazon Payment Services (APS).
Gender Equality and Inclusion in the UAE
As an Emirati woman living and working in the UAE, Sajwani feels optimistic about the country’s strides toward gender equality and inclusion. "The UAE has made tremendous progress towards leveling the playing field for women in the workplace," she states. Over the past decade, the government has implemented policies and programs aimed at ensuring women are active contributors to the economy. This commitment is rooted in the belief that women and men are equal partners in society, which drives a gender-balanced workforce.
Sajwani highlights the growing presence of women in various sectors, particularly in STEM fields. "From space to climate change, women in STEM are charting new paths for themselves in the UAE and across the MENA region," she notes. Her pride in being an Emirati woman at a leading multinational company like Amazon reflects the broader narrative of empowerment and opportunity for women in the region.
Joining Amazon and the Growth of E-Commerce
Sajwani joined Amazon Payment Services (APS) in 2022 after completing her Master’s in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation at the University of Warwick in the UK. "APS gave me the opportunity to put my experience, insights, and academic knowledge into practice in a field that is on a growth trajectory in the region," she explains.
Her role involves managing relationships with financial institutions across four markets: UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. This includes enabling APS to offer solutions like payment processing and installments to Amazon and other merchants. "I support the launch of strategic initiatives, new market expansions, and onboarding new partners," she elaborates. Sajwani believes that the growth of e-commerce will continue, especially with advancements driven by Web3, which will enhance customer experience and address issues like financial exclusion.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity at Amazon
When asked about Amazon’s commitment to diversity, Sajwani emphasizes that the company practices its philosophy on diversity, inclusion, and equity year-round. "We value the diverse opinions, points of view, cultural backgrounds, and experiences that each employee brings," she states. Amazon strives to create a workplace where women feel empowered to advance their careers and aspire to leadership roles.
Sajwani mentions that leaders at Amazon undergo inclusive training and unconscious bias programs to mitigate bias in recruitment, retention, and team management. "Amazon makes deliberate efforts to coach leaders to lead with empathy and overcome bias," she adds, highlighting the company’s commitment to fostering an equitable environment.
The Allure of Fintech
Sajwani’s journey into fintech was driven by her desire to leverage her finance degree in a way that delivers value across multiple sectors. "Fintech allows me to provide simple tools for workers to receive their salaries and save, while also offering SMEs better payment methods," she explains. The sector’s innovative nature excites her, as it continuously presents new solutions and ideas.
However, she acknowledges the challenges of working in a predominantly male-dominated sector. "Working as a partnerships manager requires extensive networking with banks, but most partners appreciate my ability to drive their best interests with APS," she shares. Building confidence and demonstrating capability are key to overcoming any biases she encounters.
A Message for Women on IWD
As International Women’s Day approaches, Sajwani has an empowering message for women: "I would advise women to venture into technology, especially Payments Technology in the MENA region." She believes that this growing market presents numerous opportunities and challenges that women can help address. "It is crucial for women to be part of its evolution to ensure their requirements and insights are considered," she concludes.
For more insights into the fintech landscape, readers are encouraged to explore additional resources and articles available on the Economy Middle East website.