Rania Hammad

Emirati Women’s Day: ‘We are strong and achieve so much.’

We spoke to three influential Emirati women, all who participated in the What She Said speaker series at W Abu Dhabi- Yas Island, about the spirit of Emirati Women’s Day. We asked them four important questions about where they are right now, where they want to go, and how they see their lives compared to the way their mothers lived — and what responsibility they have for the women who follow their lead.

Captain Salma Al Baloushi is the first Emirati female to rise to first officer’s rank as a pilot in Abu Dhabi. Her achievement at 24 earned her a space on 2012’s The 100 Most Powerful Arab Women book celebrating contributions to industry and commerce. She says: “I can only hope my accomplishment encourages many of my Emirati sisters and brothers to push the boundaries and reach their goals”.

Racing is in Amna Al Qubaisi’s genes, quite literally. Her father was the first Emirati to complete the 24H Le Mans, and in 2018, she became the first Middle Eastern woman to take part in a motorsport test program for Formula E, after the Ad Diriyah ePrix in Saudi Arabia. She was also the first woman to win the GCC Drivers Academy competition in 2017, and in 2019, became the first female and Arab to win the F4 Support Race during the F1 weekend in Abu Dhabi. Next up: Europe’s F3 circuit.

If there is something Rania Hammad feels very strongly about, it’s this: “Fashion can help break ignorance.” The Egyptian-born mother and fashion influencer, who was six months pregnant when she was hit by a train in London, losing her leg on the spot, uses her social media platforms to normalize how people see disabilities, encourage global fashion brands to become inclusive and tell her story to inspire others with disabilities to share theirs. 

What does Emirati Women’s Day mean to you in 2021?

Amna Al Qubaisi
Image courtesy Amna Al Qubaisi

Salma: From where I see it, I believe this is a special year where we are celebrating 50 years of accomplishments, achievements of the UAE. And I’ll take this day to celebrate the 50 years of achievements of women in the UAE. And to set goals for the next 50 years.

Rania: Shedding light on women are capable of. That we are strong and achieve so much. What it means to empower one and another to success.

Amna: Emirati women’s day to me means recognizing and appreciating strong women.

What goals are determined to accomplish?

Salma: I’ve been delaying things for a very long time, but lately I’m starting to pursue these things and try to finish it up. One of the most important things is to take care of my mental health. Right now I’m planning for my higher education. I’m planning to open up a business for myself. And to establish or to seek different paths in aviation. I believe I have more potential to give in other departments in aviation or in other fields in aviation other than being a pilot. Grow mentally, educationally, even physically — try to stay fit.

Amna: I’m determined to accomplish many goals, I’ve set tons and it’s to start an academy to create opportunities for those who are less fortunate to start a racing career.

Rania: I feel like I want to break the norm. I would like to break stereotypes. We have been taught many many times that women are not capable of doing so many things. I want to break that. As a woman of determination I feel the challenge is doubled and I would like to improve that as well.

How do you see yourself compared to your mom?

Salma Al Baloushi
Image courtesy Salma Al Baloushi

Salma: My mom says at her time, she did not have any say in decisions of her life. For us, although I feel it was tough, still it was much easier than her time.

Rania: Given the technology that we have nowadays, we are more open to changes.

Amna: Very different I would say like this generation has normalized what it is to be a strong and independent women when back then, it used to be intimidating.

Do you feel a responsibility to other women?

Salma: I’m trying to make things easier for the future generations, not only in aviation, but in any other field. This is our responsibility now, to set a good path and establish a good foundation for them. A strong base so they can make things a little bit easier. I’m not saying to give them everything on a plate of gold. Set up a path for them.

Rania: What I would like to tell women is to educate their kids to accept differences and empower their kids to be better. We have all the knowledge, we have the responsibility to raise our kids better than the way we were raised from our parents and grandparents. Now there is more awareness around body differences and acceptance and openness and many things. I would feel responsible to deliver this message to the future generation, because the future generation they have more capability to absorb differences than us as adults so we have to focus more on the kids.

Livehealthymag.com is for every body and mind in the UAE. This magazine is all about moderation, making small changes, little additions and the odd subtraction.

Search

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Receive our newsletters right in your inbox.