LocationsArwa | #ChoosetoChallenge | Photo Credit: UNDP Yemen/2021
What challenges you?
When I am at home, my children know that my time is fully theirs so working from home during COVID-19 with them around was a bit challenging. I tried my best to balance between my work, my family commitments and needs, and dedicating some time to my mentoring programme.
As a mom of three, working from home with a weak internet connection, coupled with the fear of COVID-19 spreading through Yemen, 2020 was a difficult year. Protecting my family was my priority.
How did you overcome the challenge?
I just successfully completed a mentoring programme for women through UNDP’s Regional Bureau for the Arab States (RBAS). It aimed to build skills and insight to help advance our careers, leverage opportunities, and identify obstacles to create effective strategies to overcome them.
In 2020, I always had the support of my husband and family; they understood the unusual stress. I was also blessed by the support of my RBAS mentor. She lightened the pressure and guided me to be a leader.
What is your hope for the future?
Women can contribute to positive change as we have seen throughout the world.
I want to be a role model for other women and inspire positive change within my office. I want to serve my beloved country as we overcome the current crisis, and in its post-crisis recovery.
I hope every Yemeni girl can obtain a quality education and that every Yemeni women can access the support they need to build their skills and live the life that they deserve.
