Emirati women share stories of inspiration Jasmine Al Kuttab/Abu Dhabi

Education is the key for all Emirati women, and will help open endless doors of opportunities in their future, a conference heard on Tuesday. During the 'Emirati Woman - Future is Now' conference held in Abu Dhabi, Emirati students spoke about the importance of pursuing studies, no matter what age and what circumstances a woman may be facing in life.

Amal Darwish Al Zarooni, student affairs officer, said that 77 per cent of Emirati women have pursued their university degrees, however, she pointed out that the remaining 23 per cent still require all the help they need from universities and families.

"We want to try to help the 23 per cent, because many of these women are young mothers and believe they are unable to pursue their university education. We have to help them reach their goals," she told Khaleej Times.
The 36-year-old mother of two shared her inspirational story on how she turned her life around and decided to go ahead with her studies.

"After I got married, I thought that I needed to broaden my knowledge and pursue a higher degree. I was keen to study to help my family, even though I started a bit late in life as a mature student, I knew I wanted a bright future.

"Suddenly, my life changed and I had a lot of responsibilities to take care of, but with the support of my manager at work, I was able to pursue my future."

Al Zarooni said that she was often afraid of juggling university life with the responsibilities of work and the responsibilities as a single mother taking care of two young boys. "I wasn't sure if I can manage it all. But I was so keen on getting high grades to prove to everyone that I could finish my studies beyond high school.

"I wanted to prove to my self that I can achieve my dreams, but I also wanted to prove it to those who may have doubted my dreams." Al Zarooni graduated with the highest distinction at the age of 34. "I am looking forward to witnessing my children graduate, just like how they witnessed their mother."

Al Zarooni was selected among the outstanding students from the Canadian University Dubai to meet His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"This made me feel so happy, and made me believe that there is nothing impossible in life. I advise all Emirati women to pursue their university studies, there is nothing they cannot do."

The school of communications graduate said responsibilities for women will never end, but that is what makes women ambitious. "The responsibilities will always be there - you just have to be strong enough to manage your studies, your work and your home." Al Zarooni hopes to now pursue her Master's degree, and one day her PhD.

When one door closes, another opens

Alyaziyeh Abdulla Shehab Thani, architecture student at Canadian University Dubai, also shared her struggles before reaching her dreams.

"I was shocked when applied to a university and scholarship for outstanding students, but was not accepted. I never knew why I was rejected. Despite being rejected, there was a voice inside me, telling me to not give up."
She said her mother always taught her to be strong, no matter what challenges life throws at her.

"Her encouragement helped me overcome many obstacles in life because I lost my father at a young age."
She applied in the school of architecture and design and won a scholarship from a government agency. "The scholarship opportunities are available only to thosewho have high grades. I hope that in future, scholarships are available to all Emirati women, so they do not have an excuse to give up their education."

She recalled Sheikh Mohammed's inspirational quote: "We have moved beyond the phase of empowering women. Indeed, we are empowering society through women."

Read more: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/abu-dhabi/emirati-women-share-stories-of-inspiration