Empowered Saudi Women Move From Behind the Wheel to Under the Hood as Mechanics
New
Age Islam News Bureau
03
June 2022
• Domestic
Issues Dominate Inquiries of Women on Fatwa in Egypt Mosques
• Abu
Dhabi Women to Get Free Crypto, NFT and Blockchain Domains
• Sarah
Al-Akour: The First Saudi Woman Commentator at Camel Races
• KAUST,
University Of Texas Partner to Empower Entrepreneurial Saudi Women
• Two
Pakistanis Arrested For Secretly Filming Women in Turkey
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/empowered-saudi-women-mechanics/d/127165
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Empowered
Saudi Women Move From Behind the Wheel to Under the Hood as Mechanics
Empowered:
Ghada Ahmed checking tire air at an auto quick-service garage in Jeddah, Saudi
Arabia, on May 26. (AFP//Fayez Nureldine)
-----
03
June, 202
An
auto repair garage in Saudi Arabia is turning to an untapped source for new car
mechanics: Saudi women, who just four years ago weren’t permitted to drive.
At
the Petromin Express garage in Jeddah, on the Red Sea coast, new female
recruits check oil and change tires alongside their male counterparts, part of
a nationwide push to bring more women into the workforce.
Yet
the women trainees have encountered a few barriers as they enter a field that
is male-dominated the world over.
Several
told AFP their first months on the job have brought flashes of self-doubt,
skepticism from some relatives and disapproval from some customers.
“At
the beginning, it’s normal not to trust us, because I’m a woman,” said Ghada
Ahmad, wearing grease-streaked white gloves and a long blue overcoat.
“It’s
something new for them... After years of only seeing men, now comes a woman.”
As
she struggled to learn the basics, Ahmad had moments when she wondered if such
men might have a point.
As
her skills improved, so did her confidence – aided by other customers who were
more encouraging.
“One
man came and said: ‘I’m very proud of you. You are honoring us. You are a crown
on our heads.’“
Helpful
husbands
Expanding
women’s rights is central to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030
goal, intended to diversify the oil-dependent economy.
The
highest-profile change came in 2018, when the Crown Prince oversaw the end of a
decades-old ban on women driving.
The
country also eased “guardianship” rules that give men arbitrary authority over
female relatives.
These
moves have burnished the Crown Prince’s reputation as a women’s rights
champion.
Ola
Flimban, a 44-year-old mother of four, first heard about the jobs from a social
media post, and immediately asked her husband, Rafat Flimban, if she could
apply.
Rafat
agreed and helped his wife prepare for the interview by teaching her the names
of spare parts.
“Now
she has experience in different car types, how to change oil, how to check
cars. She’s even checking my car,” he said.
The
support at home has made it easier for Ola to deal with wary customers at the
garage.
“They
are surprised that girls work in this field, and ask us to explain how we fell
in love with this field,” she said.
“That
is the most common question.”
As
she spoke, 20-year-old Mechaal drove up in his silver sedan for an oil change.
He
admitted being “shocked” that the task would be carried out by a woman, but he
soon came around.
“If
they are here, it must mean they are trained,” he said, “and maybe they
understand my car better than me.”
Petromin
vice president Tariq Javed said his company was “confident that this initiative
will encourage more women to join the automotive industry in all stages.”
The
company says its training covers “all express services, including oil, battery,
tyres, A/C, and other automotive requirements.”
‘We
make girls feel relaxed’
Perhaps
the biggest winners from the firm’s initiative are the city’s women drivers.
“We
make girls feel relaxed when we operate on their cars,” said 30-year-old Angham
Jeddawi, who has been at the garage for six months.
“Some
girls feel shy when dealing with men. They don’t know how to talk with them,
and they don’t know what will be done with the car. But with us they are free
to talk a lot.”
For
Jeddawi, the job has fulfilled a lifelong goal she once thought impossible.
“My
dream was to enter the automobile sector, but for a Saudi woman this field was
not available. So when the opportunity came, I applied straight away,” she
said.
The
knowledge she’s gained has encouraged her to hit the road herself.
She
has been studying for her driving test and hopes to have a license within a
month.
“If
I face a problem in the middle of the road, now I know how to react,” she said.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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Domestic
Issues Dominate Inquiries of Women on Fatwa in Egypt Mosques
Preacher
Dr. Jihan Yassin Youssef. Asharq Al-Awsat
-----
2
June, 2022
In
a first-of-its-kind experience, Egyptian female preachers have been hired in
mosques to give fatwas. Their mission is to listen to women seeking fatwa in
religious and social matters, especially on the domestic level (marriage, love,
work, family ties, friends, and relatives) in fatwa councils dedicated for
women, and held every Saturday between sunset and night prayers.
These
councils are aimed at giving women a shame-free opportunity to ask the
questions they have in mind, especially in private woman-related topics, and
consult female specialized preachers who attended trainings in fatwa, and
graduated from the preachers institute affiliated with the Ministry of Awqaf.
This
new experience started with four female preachers serving in four major mosques
in the Egyptian capital: The Imam Hussein Mosque, Al-Sayyida Nafisa Mosque,
Giza’s Al Istiqama Mosque, and Nasr City’s Al-Rahman al-Rahim Mosque.
Preacher
Dr. Yumna Abu al-Nasr serves in the female fatwa council at the Imam Hussein
Mosque, one of Egypt’s greatest historic mosques. This experience has placed
her in a direct contact with the complex and sensitive matters of the modern
era.
“The
experience of female fatwa council has seen a remarkable turnout and
interaction from women. Attendees’ ages range between 12 and 80, with questions
and inquiries covering all aspects and challenges of our daily life, including
religious matters about prayers, fasting, and Imams, as well as social topics
such as divorce, marital relationship, and family ties,” she told Asharq
Al-Awsat.
Abu
al-Nasr notes that the age difference among attendees reflects a wide contrast
in questions and concerns. “The inquiries of young women focus on makeup,
accessories, clothes, and marriage plans, while older women show interest in
deeper social matters such as divorce, disobedience to parents, and raising
children,” she said.
Interestingly,
according to Abu al-Nasr, more women have been asking questions about financial
and economic issues, such as bank interests, loans, inheritance, independent
financial disclosures for the wife, and savings.
Dr.
Jihan Yassin Youssef, a preacher and gynecologist, who serves is the fatwa
council at Giza’s Al Istiqama Mosque, combines her medical knowledge with her
qualification for fatwa, when evaluating women related matters.
“I
found a connection between the medical and religious issues, as many women
related problems require religious opinion. My work as a gynecologist helps me
explain many scientific topics, especially those related to private women
issues, like the marital relationship, and the biological reasons that exempt
women from prayers and fasting,” explained Youssef.
“Many
women turn their counseling from religion to medicine when they know I am a
gynecologist. They ask sensitive questions spontaneously and shamelessly, which
transforms our sessions into conversations, medical consultations, and
religious clarifications,” she noted.
Source:
Aawsat
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Abu
Dhabi women to get free crypto, NFT and blockchain domains
by
Sandhya D'Mello
2
Jun 2022
Access
Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) have partnered with Web3
identity platform and NFT domain name provider Unstoppable Domains to provide
free crypto domains to all women residing in the UAE capital. The giveaway aims
to provide opportunities for more women to learn about and ultimately participate
in Web3, a space where only 5 per cent to 7 per cent of all cryptocurrency
users are women and just 12 per cent work in blockchain.
The
initiative was announced during a delegation visit to Abu Dhabi by the ‘Women
of Web3’, a powerhouse group of disruptive female tech entrepreneurs from the
United States exploring the emirate as a gateway for global expansion. The
‘Women of Web3’ delegation is hosted by Access Abu Dhabi, a Maven Global Access
programme powered by Adio. The programme seeks to empower minority and
women-owned businesses in a high-growth country where 50 per cent of the small
to medium-sized enterprises are already women-owned.
Abdulla
Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, acting-director general of Adio, said: “Abu Dhabi is
ensuring the future of Web3 is built around a powerful infrastructure that
appeals to all members of the community. By supporting initiatives that invite
and uplift women, we can champion diversity early in the Web3 era. The
partnership with Unstoppable Domains to provide free crypto domains to all
women in Abu Dhabi and embodies the emirate’s promise of inclusion, while
creating opportunities for private sector participation in a fast-growing
space.”
As
Abu Dhabi ramps up efforts to become the Middle East’s crypto hub, the emirate
is ensuring the necessary tools and resources are available to encourage active
participation in the Web3 space from women across all communities. One pillar
of blockchain technology, which has been instrumental in fueling its popularity
is its potential to offer access that transcends geographical and financial
limitations that excluded groups in the past.
The
initiative stands to become a life-changing opportunity for women of Abu Dhabi
to capitalise on Web3 opportunities. It provides them with a decentralised web
address and digital identity that gives them complete control of their data and
content within a space that they fully own, as opposed to Web2 domains, which
are leased for fixed periods through third-party brokers.
Sandy
Carter, SVP of Unstoppable Domains and Founder of Unstoppable Women of Web3,
said: “It’s great to see Abu Dhabi leading the mission to bring Web3
opportunities to women in the Middle East. It has been an honour to be a part
of the ‘Women of Web3’ delegation, and I am grateful to Access Abu Dhabi and
Adio for providing such an immersive look into Abu Dhabi’s business and
technology ecosystem.” She continued, “Providing free crypto, NFT and
blockchain domains to all women in Abu Dhabi is a power move that ensures women
will be included in increasing numbers within the fabric of the Web3 movement
for generations to come. The immense support that we’ve received from Adio and
Maven Global Access proves that Abu Dhabi doesn’t just believe in a more
inclusive and decentralised future, but is actively building it.”
The
‘Women of Web3’ delegation hosted by Access Abu Dhabi recently concluded with
the delegates exploring business expansion opportunities in Abu Dhabi. From
24-26 May, a curated group of US female entrepreneurs in Web3 technologies met
with business leaders and key business enablers across the emirate’s ecosystem.
Sarah
Omolewu, managing partner of Maven Global Access and founder of Access Abu
Dhabi, said: “In a market of expats from more than 200 countries, this
initiative could potentially impact the lives of generations of women around
the world.” She added, “This is the legacy-building impact I envisioned for the
Access Abu Dhabi programme. While the financial gap between male and female
founders still exists, the game is changing, and more women recognise the value
of emerging technologies in growing and funding their businesses. I’m honored
and humbled to have received the support of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and
Unstoppable Domains to make this moment possible.”
Ola
Lind, CSO Nasdaq Listed FTFT, chief executive officer & director FTFT
Capital, said: “The initiative of the Abu Dhabi government granting free
domains to women in that Emirate is commendable. A rise in the number of women
users and investors will result in the emergence of a completely untapped
market. In behavioral finance studies, women are frequently less risk-averse
than males. More women trading cryptocurrency debunks the notion that
cryptocurrency investors are risk-seeking individuals. As more women invest in
cryptocurrency, the industry’s standing improves. Their rising participation
contributes to the argument that cryptocurrencies can coexist with traditional
investments.”
Echoing
similar sentiment, Marata Carroz Tapsoba, senior advisor, Global Acquisitions,
Idoneus, said: “The move by the Abu Dhabi authorities to free cryptocurrency
domains for women is timely and welcome. I believe that this initiative will
not only encourage greater participation by women but also strengthen and add
more credibility to the industry. Additionally, more women in business will
have wider access to capital, which will subsequently boost their enterprises.
This move will also further cement the UAE’s position as a leading blockchain
and cryptocurrency hub.”
Source:
Khaleej Times
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/abu-dhabi-women-to-get-free-crypto-nft-and-blockchain-domains
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Sarah
Al-Akour: The first Saudi woman commentator at camel races
June
03, 2022
RIYADH
— Sarah Al-Akour was chosen as the first Saudi woman commentator for camel
races, after she entered the Saudi Golden Equestrian commentator competition
for men and women, which was launched by the Saudi Camel Federation.
Al-Akour
passed the tests through a 5-minute video commentary, and her name was
announced among 27 qualified participants out of 300.
She
has prior experience commenting on equestrian races, and was always keen on
preparing and collecting all the information she would need for upcoming races.
In her opinion, this is the most important characteristic of a successful
commentator.
Despite
the difficulty of knowing all the names of the participants, owners, logos and
camels, she said, “Names are easy for me to pronounce because I am a daughter
of this authentic heritage, and I have the know-how and awareness of how to
pronounce names while commentating, a job that gives great pleasure.”
Al-Akour
is keen on becoming a competent commentator and uses the appropriate vocal tone
at the start and finish lines. She has passion and objectivity, and she makes
sure each and every participant gets their share of attention, in order for the
audience and horse owners to enjoy.
She
also seeks to develop her own performance style away from traditional
commentating. She elaborates, “I was not influenced by camel racing
commentators, I just observe, but without absorbing their style because each
commentator has his own identity, culture and style, which should be like a
thumbprint for every person and not a duplicate of other commentators.”
She
added: “The passionate commentators always have their own style, their mark and
their different personal charisma, and this imprint was formed through sufficient
information about camels and their owners, and keeping up-to-date on the sport
since its inception until today.”
Source:
Saudi Gazette
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KAUST,
University of Texas partner to empower entrepreneurial Saudi women
June
02, 2022
THUWAL
— King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) announced on
Thursday the completion of bootcamp that welcomed 45 Saudi-based female
founders as part of the “Empowering Saudi Women Through Entrepreneurship"
program.
The
Saudi-first program has been developed in partnership with the University of
Texas at Austin’s Global Innovation Lab (GIL), a unit of Texas Global, and the
US Consulate General in Jeddah. It aims to build the capabilities of female
entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia and the entrepreneurial ecosystem while expanding
access to domestic and global markets.
Female
entrepreneurs are essential for the development of advanced industries to support
the creation and growth of new ventures. By supporting this important group,
KAUST hopes to spur growth and diversification in the economy while encouraging
the participant’s ambitions — two vital pillars of Vision 2030. The women
selected to participate in the program are developing innovative technologies
and products with global export and growth potential to help solve pressing
Saudi societal and economic challenges, focusing on issues in western Saudi
Arabia.
"KAUST
is committed to supporting the advancement of female entrepreneurs in Saudi
Arabia. We're so excited to see the outcomes of this partnership and the real
impact that participants will have in the Kingdom and beyond as they develop
their skills and join this international network," Hattan Ahmed, Director
of KAUST Entrepreneurship Center.
The
hybrid program started online via the GIL’s online Innovation Readiness® Series
in March 2022 and continued in June at the GIL and KAUST Bootcamp from May 29 -
June 2, 2022, where participants were fully immersed in branding and
storytelling, fundraising, leadership, pitching as well as one-on-one sessions
with KAUST mentors. The Bootcamp culminated in the women delivering a final
pitch in front of a panel of GIL and KAUST judges, who selected which hopefuls
qualified to continue and attend the final training in the U.S. at the
UT-Austin campus in July 2022.
There,
the finalists will join an extensive global network of UT-Austin and the city’s
own vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Taking advantage of global networking in
this way will offer new opportunities and broaden the participants’ global
influence and impact.
Both
UT-Austin and KAUST have the shared objective and goal to promote
entrepreneurship via programs that encourage skills such as problem-solving,
critical thinking and teamwork. The program solidifies this mission and the
U.S. Consulate, based in Saudi Arabia, is offering its full support. By
empowering Saudi women and fostering collaboration between tech-centered
institutions like KAUST and their American counterparts, the Consulate hopes to
produce fruitful alliances to tackle pressing global issues.
“Texas
Global is proud to partner with KAUST and the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah
to offer a program that advances women’s entrepreneurship ,” said Dr. Sonia
Feigenbaum, senior vice provost for global engagement and UT-Austin’s chief
international officer. “The Global Innovation Lab curriculum teaches strategies
to ensure the long-term sustainability of participants’ endeavors, promoting entrepreneurship
as a means of stimulating economic growth and thereby increasing the financial
security and prosperity of the citizens of Saudi Arabia.”
Upon
completing the program, participants will have gained the knowledge necessary
to start a successful entrepreneurial venture and build the capacity to ensure
long-term sustainability. This will result in a positive ripple effect
throughout the Saudi Arabian ecosphere as well as strengthen global connections
through groundbreaking entrepreneurship.
“The
United States and Saudi Arabia have a long history of economic, educational,
and cultural exchange that benefits both countries.” said Dale Lawton, Public
Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah. The U.S. Consulate
General in Jeddah works to maintain this relationship by partnering with
programs and initiatives that further the positive economic transformation
outlined in Vision 2030. Hundreds of Saudis and Americans who have participated
in our programs are an important part of the ties that bind our two nations
together.”
By
supporting Saudi-based female entrepreneurs, KAUST reaffirms its commitment to
the continued expansion of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within KSA. In
nurturing and showcasing new ideas and future leaders, the university aims to
stimulate economic growth, create better-quality jobs, open new markets and
increase global economic security and prosperity. — SG
Source:
Saudi Gazette
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Two
Pakistanis arrested for secretly filming women in Turkey
Saleh
Mughal
June
02, 2022
RAWALPINDI:
Federal
Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cybercrime cell has arrested and registered cases
against two Pakistani nationals, who were involved in illegal activities in
Turkey.
As
per details, the suspects were involved in human trafficking and they also used
to secretly film women in Turkey and upload these objectionable videos on
social media.
FIA
took action against suspects Mohammad Junaid and Ameer Khan on the instructions
of Prime Minister Shehbaz Shrif, who is on an official visit to the brotherly
country.
The
shameful act of the suspects brought shame to the entire Pakistani community.
Both were deported from the brotherly country.
FIA
officials said that interrogation of the suspects is underway and further
revelations are expected in the case.
They
said that crackdown has been launched against travel agents involved in human
trafficking.
An
FIA spokesperson said that no one will be allowed to damage the brotherly
relations between Pakistan and Turkey.
Earlier,
during a joint press conference along with PM Shehbaz, Turkish President Recip
Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his country's support for the resolution of the
Kashmir dispute.
President
Erdogan said that Turkey supported Pakistan in its effort against all types of
terror. "The fight Pakistan has against terrorism, I definitely believe,
it will triumph in it..," he added.
The
Turkish president also said that Pakistan had a critical position with regard
to Afghanistan. "We have provided over four tonnes of humanitarian goods
and food to Afghanistan. We will continue to cooperate with Afghanistan."
He
hoped that the fraternal close relations and friendship between both the
countries will be further strengthened, adding that his country is ready for
it.
Source:
Tribune Pakistan
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2359589/two-pakistanis-arrested-for-secretly-filming-women-in-turkey
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/empowered-saudi-women-mechanics/d/127165