Umayma Elamin Amer (left)
Umayma Elamin Amer is a Sudanese-born migrant advocate, social entrepreneur, and president and founder of the Migrant Women Association Malta (MWAM). Her work focuses on empowering asylum seekers, refugees, and migrant women in Malta by promoting social inclusion and providing practical support to vulnerable communities.
Born and raised in Sudan, Umayma lived in Libya with her children before moving to Malta in 2014 in search of better educational and life opportunities. Her personal experiences navigating migration, integration, and systemic barriers inspired me to support other women in similar situations.
In 2015, she founded MWAM with six co-founders, women, to amplify the voices of migrant women in Malta. MWAM has developed programs, including language classes, empowerment workshops, and social and educational services, which help migrant women access opportunities and build resilience. Beyond service provision, Umayma advocates for policy change to address systemic challenges affecting migrants and refugees, such as a lack of access to employment, legal uncertainty, and social exclusion. Her work bridges gaps between communities, mainstream agencies, and government bodies, ensuring that migrant women’s needs are recognized and addressed.
In 2024, Umayma was appointed Malta’s delegate to the WAVE Network Advisory Board (Women Against Violence Europe) and in October 2025, she was elected to the board of the same organization. Umayma is also a member of the European Commission’s Expert Group on Migration.
Umayma’s journey reflects resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to empowering migrant women in Malta. Through MWAM and her advocacy, she continues to create opportunities, build skills, and foster inclusion for migrant women across Malta.
Sarah Carabott (right)
Sarah Carabott is a dedicated journalist at Times of Malta, where she has been reporting since 2010, focusing on human rights, migration, racism, gender-based violence, and social justice. Her work explores the personal stories behind social issues, shining a light on the experiences of marginalised communities. Among others, Sarah’s reporting has earned her a Malta Journalism Award for Crime and Legal Affairs Journalism, recognising her interview with a domestic violence survivor, as well as a Malta Journalism Award for Best Human Interest Story for her moving coverage of a woman who survived rape.
Beyond journalism, Sarah is an active advocate against racism and for the rights of migrants. She has contributed to Malta’s Anti-Racism Platform, helping to shape dialogue and policy around inclusion and equality. Since 2024, she has been serving on the council of the Institute of Maltese Journalists, working to strengthen the profession and promote ethical journalism.
Before Times of Malta, Sarah worked as a Press and PR Officer at Amnesty International Malta and in broadcasting and research roles. She holds an MA in International Journalism from the University of Westminster, a Bachelor’s in Communications and Social Studies from the University of Malta, and a journalism diploma accredited by the UK Press Association. Her work combines rigorous investigation with compassionate storytelling to inspire awareness and change.
(Photo Credit: Therese Debono)
