Mariam Hairi's approach to education and women's rights was characterized by her innovative solutions to complex problems. She believed that empowering women and girls required not only a focus on education but also a consideration of the broader social and economic contexts in which they lived. As such, she pioneered the use of participatory approaches, where communities were actively involved in the process of education reform.

Throughout her remarkable career, Mariam Hairi has received numerous awards and recognitions for her groundbreaking work in education and women's rights. Some of her notable awards include: