Women in HR: Izmeera Shiham, Manager – Human Resources at Auditor General’s Office talked about her journey, the challenges to HR and her accomplishments and some of the proud moments of her HR Career.
Izmeera started her HR Career over a decade ago. During the period her accomplishments are impressive and inspirational.
How did you start your career?
I came back to Maldives after studies in the year 2005, when the country was recovering from Tsunami 2004. I joined the Tsunami Recovery Programme in UNDP on a short term contract, during which I realised that I loved the daily administrative HR work of the small tsunami recovery project team in UNDP Male’. Which led me to search for a job, which suited my preference. This landed me in as the Assistant Director – HR in Hulhumale’ Development Corporation where for the first time, passion drove my motivation.
Why did you choose HR as your career?
It was more of a realization through experience than a choice. Something for which I am grateful today.
How many years of HR Experience and what are the specialized areas?
I have 11 years of experience in the field of HR and my specialization is Strategic HR Planning and Change Management. I have intense experience in policy making of good governed organisation. My experience in HDU – HDC corporation, TVM/VOM – MNBC corporation and Audit Office to an independent Supreme Audit institute transformation contributes greatly to my specialization.
Why did you choose Auditor General’s Office?
Auditor General’s office is till date trying to lead by Example to all public institutes. In this process, I believe the office provides me great opportunity to make a change, make an impact, contribute to society and do something I love – all at the same time.
What are your biggest Achievements?
Being selected as the 50 most talented HR Leaders of the Maldives and being selected as a SAI Young Leader by Intosai Development Initiative.
Who is your role model as a leader?
My parents. Their trust, faith, values and the hardship inspires me. From the international community, Justin Trudeau stands out for me as I am very fond of the values especially inclusivity and acceptance – insisted in his leadership.
What is the most valuable advice you have been given?
No one likes change and during my privatization experience of MNBC. Mr. Madulu Waheed told me one day “being just and fair to you and others, is worth the unjust hatred”
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
The change initiative for the SAI young leader programme by IDI.
What has been the greatest challenge/s in your career and how did you overcome it/them?
Work / life balance. It is still a challenge and everyday is a new challenge.
What are the challenges to female in HR?
Work / life balance – their role in the society, the society’s expectation and trying to focus and build a career is a challenge. The ratio of men : women is very often equal in many public organisations or close to equal, however when we compare men : women ratio in the management, there is a significant different.
If you had advice for your 18-year-old self what would it be?
Read more. Save more.
What do you do after office hours?
Spend time with my family, exercise/run, read, watch TV.
Can you give us 3 things on your ‘bucket list’?
- Bungee jumping
- Visit all the atolls of Maldives
- Run an international marathon
Can you give us 3 key words to describe yourself?
Self-disciplined, pro-active, confident.
What is your definition of success?
- Happiness
What would you like to achieve?
- CIPD membership. National recognition for my work – for instance, when I see other public institutes adapting policies and practices introduced by me.
