NO BOUNDARIES
In collaboration with Levi’s, we explore the unique journeys of five remarkable women from the region
We’re shining a light on inspiring women who perfectly fit the groundbreaking women feature in the Levi’s #ISHAPEMYWORLD campaign. It celebrates the stories of fearless women who have carved their own path and have been unstoppable in the face of obstacles by breaking restrictions and stereotypes to shape the world they want to be in.
Fatma (Tumi) Al Bakry, DJ
My challenges have definitely been that I’m a woman in a male-dominated field. Not to mention the fact that I’m Arab, and Muslim as well as growing up in a city where the music scene was narrow. Becoming the first female Omani DJ didn’t come easy, and the first question I used to get was “Do your parents know you DJ?” These social restrictions exist, but I don’t allow them to affect me. My mum has been my biggest supporter and I’m thankful for everything she’s pushed me to do. As long as I have one person in my corner I’m good. All it takes is one cheerleader to spark that trust in yourself.
Nāyla al-Khāja, director, producer and founder of Nāyla al-Khāja Films
I always felt the need to highlight social and cultural taboos in my work and felt responsible for tackling issues related to child abuse, gender bias and mental health. Although I am proud to have earned the title of the first female Emirati director and producer, and was able to have my first feature film screenplay Animal presented during the Cannes Film Festival in France – I still think we have a long way to go considering there’s only 11 per cent of published female directors globally. It is my mission to continue pushing the boundaries and social stigmas through storytelling.
Amy Roko, content creator
I started making content in university on Vine simply because I was bored and didn’t take myself too seriously. One of the challenges I faced were people not paying 100 per cent attention to my content – their attention was focused on other things like a little bit of my arm showing or how thick my eyeliner was or how loud I am or how I have my nails done. I was never forced to dress like this so I want people to focus less on what us women are wearing and more on the fact that we can be funny, active, loud, supportive and ambitious. I really want to inspire women who struggle to make their own choices become the most authentic version of themselves.
Dolores Shelleh, mountaineer
When I wanted to pursue my dream, people didn’t believe that I was going to do it because we didn’t have these kind of mountains in my country. People told my family “she’s a female, she shouldn’t be in such places with so many strangers and challenges.” They didn’t see me as a person that could complete this challenge. With this achievement, I hope it will help women find their own dreams and push beyond their limitations to reach their full potential.
Elissa Freiha, founder of Womena
I use positivity to change perceptions of women, and women’s potential. I advocate for respect for women and celebrate their achievements in the face of adversity. Every human is deserving of respect, equal opportunity and rights – this is what drives me. Since the beginning I have had to prove and re-prove myself to those around me – so I decided to stop. I stopped trying to prove anything to anyone and just live authentically and passionately. That was the best decision I ever made – it led me back to purpose and creativity and that is what helped me create a complex business model that made Womena what it is today.