Celebrated each year on March 8th, International Women’s Day, honours the numerous accomplishments of women worldwide while recognizing the many challenges they face. Each woman's journey is uniquely marked by both triumphs and trials, with distinct obstacles to surmount. Whether a homemaker or a professional, every woman has a story woven with resilience and victory.
In honour of this, we highlight the narratives of four women from Ajman, UAE, from varying age groups, each forging her own path through adversity. Their experiences illuminate the struggles women face and the indomitable strength they exhibit to surmount them. These stories serve as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the power of tenacity and resolve in the face of challenges. Through their stories, we pay tribute to the countless women globally who continue to advance progress and shape a future of greater equality for all.
Tasneem Hararwala (Advocate for Senior Citizens)
As a woman who has navigated life's many stages, could you share any wisdom or insights with us on Women’s Day?
The journey of a woman, whether at home or in her professional sphere, is characterised by remarkable resilience and unwavering determination. My own drive to excel in both domains required sacrifices, adjustments, and compromises. Driven by a fervent passion for education and a deep love for the English language, I overcame these challenges with the education I received in Chennai, which included advanced training in English. Rising from a teacher to a supervisor, and ultimately becoming a Headmistress, epitomized the empowerment inherent in perseverance. On this significant day, I wish to underscore the vital importance of Women Empowerment: within every woman is the innate ability to create, nurture, and transform, fueled by unwavering commitment to hard work, tenacity, and accountability, leading to profound fulfillment in both personal and professional spheres.
Dr. Shaheen Khokawala (Representing Women in Their Prime, 50s)
How have your priorities and goals evolved over the years, and what strategies have you employed to remain resilient and focused?
Over the past 24 years, I have been committed to the practice of dentistry, with over 15 years experience at the New Medical Centre in Sharjah. Since my arrival in the UAE in 2003 after my marriage, my focus has been two-fold: to advance my career and to manage my new family life. As a mother, harmonising my professional ambitions with family responsibilities became paramount. Despite facing significant obstacles, notably a life-threatening accident a decade ago that left me immobile for six months, I emerged with increased fortitude and resilience. My strategy for maintaining resilience and focus is clear: I prioritise my well-being, maintain an unwavering dedication to my profession, learn from setbacks, engage in proactive planning, let go of inhibitions, and embrace life fully. In conclusion, I am reminded of an inspirational quote by a late American President: "The only limits to our realisation of tomorrow are our doubts of today."
Farida Musaddi (A Voice for Women in their 30s and 40s)
What are some of the challenges you've faced in harmonizing career, family, and personal growth during this stage of your life?
Juggling a dynamic career with raising young children is a quintessential challenge at this stage in life. After completing my Masters in Computer Science from Mumbai University, I have transitioned through diverse roles, from Assistant Professor to Department Head, from Curriculum Designer to University Moderator, and from Training Head to Programming Language Instructor for international students. Each role demanded extensive hard work and astute time management.
In 2017, I embarked on an entrepreneurial venture by co-founding Celebrationz, an event management company, and subsequently launched Al Fateh Technologies, a tech consulting firm, upon my move to the UAE in 2022. Additionally, I pioneered "The Professionals Pulse," a podcast on LinkedIn that brings together professionals and leaders from various fields to exchange insights. Amid these pursuits, I allocate time for hobbies like reading and socialising, ensuring quality moments with family and friends. Although the journey has been demanding, maintaining equilibrium through personal development, effective time management, and family support is crucial. This balance conveys the message that women can adeptly juggle both family and professional roles through clear communication and thoughtful prioritisation.
Alifya Ezzy (Champion for the Emerging Generation)
How do you balance your personal ambitions with the societal expectations placed on young women?
Striking a balance between one's personal aspirations and the societal roles ascribed to young women is a complex endeavor that transcends gender. Women, in particular, often face an additional layer of challenges rooted in entrenched societal norms and pressures. Nevertheless, it is this very tenacity to overcome such hurdles that has driven my dedication to mastering Hifz-ul-Quran, the memorisation of the Quran, despite the myriad of challenges encountered. Contrary to societal expectations, I pursued my religious education in tandem with my academic pursuits, attaining “Hafiz” - the designation given to a Muslim who has completely memorized the Quran. Fueled by a commitment to transcend traditional confines, I found harmony between my personal goals and societal standards. This path not only reaffirmed my convictions but also unveiled my ardor for the arts, which became a source of solace and contemplation during my Hifz journey. After a period of over three years, this commitment has fostered a deep introspection on the interplay between individual dreams and external expectations, bolstering my resolve to prioritise my aspirations. On this day of global recognition, I extend an empowering message: Every woman harbours the capacity to be a catalyst for change. Let us honour the fortitude, resilience, and triumphs of women across the globe. Here’s to the women who challenge the status quo, shatter glass ceilings, and pave the way for future generations to come.
