How is the coronavirus pandemic impacting the lives of UAE women?

As countries across the world debate the impact of the pandemic on the day-to-day lives of women, it’s not all about businesses slowdowns, job cuts or coping with income losses. As some women in the UAE will tell you, it’s also about juggling multiple roles amid increasing demands placed on them as workhorses, mothers and caregivers.

A creative’s new calling

LARA MATOSSIAN | 42 Founder, SciFest Dubai and freelance performer, Armenian

Dubai-based Lara Matassion wears many hats. “I story-tell, mime, act and create shows. I do this in schools, malls and at events of varying scales. I am also the founder and CEO of SciFest Dubai,” says the 42 year old, who is also a well-known public speaker and trainer who works with both children and adults. “There was a pause in activities in all the areas I work in. But now, the only way to stay engaged is to take the content online.”

She says since the outbreak, she has been working on an online storytelling platform.

Reflections of a recruiter

DEEKSHA GANDOTRA | 28

Managing Director, Versatile Consultancy, Indian

As a recruiter, Deeksha Gandotra says the Covid-19 scenario has been a testing time for the entire world, with everyone trying their best to stay afloat.

“It’s a no-brainer recruitment has also been heavily affected. Many people have lost their jobs. As a global recruitment platform, we recruit for all sectors. Our survival came from recruiting for the health care sector in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. We are optimistic things will bounce back. I am beginning to think working from home saves a lot of expenses. We have expanded our reach to more countries.”

In love with love, life

THERESA P DU TOIT | 66

International Destination Wedding Celebrant, South African

For this Dubai-based destination wedding celebrant, who is in love with love and life, the ban on weddings in March by the UAE authorities came as a huge blow. “The wedding season came to abrupt end and so did my income.

“I began to look at the situation as an opportunity for endless possibilities. I had nothing to lose. And, that is what is paying off now.”

She says she is currently setting up an online dropshipping store. “The idea is to sells fabulous wedding dresses to suit all budgets.”

Prepping for a post-pandemic future

RAYA BIDSHAHRI |25

Founder/CEO, Aweacademy, author and futurist, Iranian

Raya Bidshahri is used to a high level of success. As a gifted child, the Dubai-based prodigy was identified with “existential intelligence” and was way ahead of her years. “While times like this can be difficult, personally, as an entrepreneur, I believe that they also allow me to build resilience, agility and adaptability. It’s important to identify what the new needs of the world are during such unprecedented times, and look towards fulfilling them,” says Bidhsahri who runs a futuristic online learning platform Aweacademy.

Who says toddlers can’t learn remotely?

SAVVY KISANI | 56

Nursery chain proprietor, artist and designer, Indian

This Indian expat runs a chain of nurseries in Dubai, but while she waits for their temporary closure to be lifted, she is already on to new things. For one, Savvy Kisani is introducing the concept of distance learning to toddlers. “The future belongs to e-learning and the earlier, we begin, the better. It has been a very encouraging start,” she says.

An artist and designer who also runs a studio, Kisani is using the pause time to make reusable masks with her autistic son.