Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Hawwa Hana: Breaking barriers in hospitality

Hawwa Hana, the Assistant Human Resource Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives, has built a career in the hospitality industry driven by a desire to help people and foster positive workplace environments. Her journey from an F&B attendant to a management position in human resources highlights the opportunities and challenges for women in the Maldivian hospitality sector.

Hana’s introduction to hospitality was influenced by her surroundings but not directly shaped by family tradition. “I grew up in a household surrounded by divers and had limited interactions with tourists, but I always had a strong desire to help people,” she explains. Observing the way the industry connected people from different backgrounds inspired her to pursue a career in the field.

At 16, she took her first job as an F&B attendant with Maldivian Air Taxi. The experience of interacting with customers was transformative. “Some customers even waited specifically for my service, which motivated me to seek greater opportunities,” she recalls. This early success led her to an internship with Four Seasons Resort Maldives, where she expanded her experience and set the foundation for her future in the industry.

Her interest in human resources grew from the recognition that people are at the core of hospitality. “In hospitality, everything revolves around people—whether it’s the guests or the team members who make the experience exceptional,” she says.

Now, as an Assistant Human Resource Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, she is committed to supporting employees and ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed. “I find it incredibly rewarding to help people realise their potential, whether by providing training and development opportunities or by resolving conflicts and improving workplace culture,” she shares.

Hana is actively involved in mentoring and supporting female employees at the resort. “A key part of my role is ensuring equal opportunities for growth and advancement for all employees, regardless of gender,” she states.

She encourages women to take on challenging projects that help expand their skill sets. “Empowering women in the workplace not only helps them grow professionally but also drives a more diverse, innovative, and high-performing team,” she notes. By fostering an environment where women feel supported, she contributes to a more inclusive workplace culture.

Women in the Maldivian hospitality sector face unique challenges, including traditional societal expectations and the physical demands of resort work. Despite these obstacles, Hana believes that women are redefining norms. “Many talented women are breaking barriers, proving that dedication and determination can overcome challenges,” she says.

She acknowledges that some women may pause their careers due to family responsibilities but sees this as part of a broader shift in societal perspectives. “The belief that women should remain at home is steadily evolving, thanks to those who dare to dream bigger and strive for more,” she observes.

Companies like Sun Siyam Resorts play an essential role in supporting gender equality by implementing policies that encourage women to take on leadership roles. “By fostering a culture that empowers women and challenges outdated norms, we can build a more inclusive future,” she adds.

Balancing career and personal life can be challenging in an industry known for long hours and remote locations. Hana believes that the key lies in setting boundaries and managing time effectively. “It’s important to recognise that work-life balance doesn’t mean spending equal time in both areas—especially in hospitality,” she says.

She advises women to communicate openly with their managers about their needs and to seek support when necessary. “Early in your career, you can begin in resort roles and later transition into corporate or city hotel positions,” she suggests. She also encourages individuals to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. “With fewer responsibilities in your younger years, you have the freedom to explore different opportunities, whether travelling between resorts or even working abroad,” she adds.

For those considering pausing their careers, she advises having a clear plan. “It’s also important to have a clear vision for when you’d like to pause your career and what kind of legacy you wish to leave behind,” she says. Even after retirement, she believes that women can continue to contribute to the industry by mentoring and guiding the next generation.

Hana envisions a hospitality industry with greater gender balance in leadership. “I hope that, in the future, the gender gap between men and women in leadership positions will close, and we’ll see more women not just in middle management, but in senior and executive roles as well,” she states.

She sees her own role evolving as she gains more experience. “I aim to inspire future generations of Maldivian women to aim high and pursue leadership positions in hospitality,” she says. By supporting and empowering women, both at her resort and across the industry, she hopes to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable hospitality sector.