Emirati achievers share their stories
I have been working as a psychiatrist for 20 years and, apart from myself, there was only one other woman doctor employed in the psychiatric department at Rashid Hospital at the time, as it was maledominated.
Our colleagues would try to protect us from difficult cases because they assumed that as women, we were sensitive and would be affected by our patients’ condition.
On the contrary, we did not want to be treated any different from our male colleagues. I did not have to prove myself just because I am a woman. All I had to be was professional and show that I could protect myself from violent patients. I received a lot of support from my family; everybody encouraged me to get into this field.”
Dr Alia Al Murri, 46 | Psychiatrist While the legal practice [in the UAE] is dominated by men, it changed about 10 years ago when it began to take a different route and women became engaged with it on many levels and in many ways, such as including women in the in-house council and having them as judges. UAE women studying at universities in the faculty of law and Sharia have increased and it makes me happy to see that.
My father has practised law all his life and I didn’t hesitate to enter that field. When I studied law, I found it to be a very hospitable environment where law firms wanted to have women on board. I believe the country has empowered women to do many things and enjoy a diversity of job opportunities.”
Diana Hamade Al Ghurair, 48| Lawyer Art is a powerful tool that empowers everyone; [so] I do not like to be labelled as being just a woman [because it suggests that your work] is secondary. Having a creative outlet to express opinions and ideas is a powerful medium to bridge cultures and create a dialogue. There are various art forms that lend themselves powerfully to a message and convey it to the audience. To me, that is empowerment.
A message can lead to change and change empowers individuals. Through it, communities form, ideas develop and conversations take place. Education is a powerful tool that lends itself to art, and the more aware you are about your surroundings, the stronger your message.”
Lamya Gargash, 33|
Artist and photographer The UAE has set the bar for gender equality in business, not just in the region but, arguably, in the world. The late Shaikh Zayed [Bin Sultan Al Nahyan] and our leaders, as well as Shaikha Fatima have developed a strong legacy that encourages and supports women to pursue any field of interest and contribute to society. Women have made a noticeable presence and have achieved a great deal in different sectors, private and public.
As a woman, I feel the sky is the limit for what my gender can achieve in this country. Having gone through several [job] interviews, I have come to appreciate that employers are eager to hire women.”
Shamma Al Mazroui, 22| Assistant investment analyst