Shaymaa Elkadi

Dr Shaymaa Elkadi is a values-driven governance and strategy leader with over 15 years’ executive and board experience across the justice, mental health, and community services sectors. Shaymaa is currently a Non-Executive Director at Neami National, Women’s Health Victoria, and VACRO, where she also chairs the Strategy and Planning Committee. She serves on the Appeals Committee of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and previously held executive roles with Corrections Victoria, Forensicare, and across public and not-for-profit sectors. Shaymaa is the founder of Ruqi Consulting, a strategy and leadership consultancy specialising in reflective governance, cultural humility, and trauma-informed leadership. Her work is grounded in systems thinking, policy expertise, and a deep commitment to justice, equity, and human rights.

Shaymaa Elkadi's recent articles

Dragged from prayer – how Muslim belonging became conditional in Australia

Dragged from prayer – how Muslim belonging became conditional in Australia

The police pulling Muslim men from prayer during protests against Isaac Herzog’s visit exposes how fragile Muslim belonging has become in Australia. Shaymaa Elkadi argues this was not a failure of judgment, but a political choice.

Only Arabic: When 'multicultural' media turns to racial profiling

Only Arabic: When 'multicultural' media turns to racial profiling

I recently noticed something troubling while watching a British drama on SBS On Demand. Between episodes — over two full seasons — I kept seeing advertisements about Victoria’s new bail laws.

Social cohesion: The velvet glove for assimilation

Social cohesion: The velvet glove for assimilation

For two decades, Australian governments have invoked social cohesion as a national virtue. It appears in budget papers, multicultural statements, speeches, and media briefings.

Islamophobia reports are not enough

Islamophobia reports are not enough

For decades, Muslims in Australia have been asked to give evidence, to share their trauma, and to trust that government inquiries will bring change.