Women empowered by UAE: KT speaks to women workers

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Women empowered by UAE: KT speaks to women workers

The brave souls share their story of empowerment, gratitude and resilience.

By Saman Haziq

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Published: Fri 8 Mar 2019, 9:47 PM

One of the biggest decisions for a mother would be to select a career or be a home-maker. But for some women, career is not a choice but a necessity, a sacrifice they have to make in order to give their children a better future. 
Life of a survivor

Ambili Omanakkuttan, a bus conductor who has been in the UAE for five years, not only survived a terminal illness but beat all odds and won in a talent show. She is now single-handedly educating her four kids.
"After two years of working in the UAE, I was informed that I had throat cancer. I was told a surgery could end up in losing my voice. The first thought that came to my mind was I cannot afford to lose my job as I had a huge debt to repay and I did not want my children to be under financial stress."
Divine providence intervened and she had a successful surgery and chemotherapy, which enabled her to get back to work in the UAE.
Ambili, who had a passion for singing, went on to take part in a reality show called Smart Idol in Dubai and won in the singing category. "I feel blessed to be alive and this time around I am working towards my dream of becoming a singer. Besides my full-time job, I participate in many singing competitions or reality shows in the UAE and I will not give up. The UAE has empowered me and gives me hope to move on and build a better future for my children."
Making dreams real

Mary D'Souza, who has been working in Dubai as a quality checker, left her elderly parents, and a family-like circle of friends due to her weak financial situation. "I came here to earn money to provide for myself and my family but this country has empowered me as I have learnt to be independent. What I couldn't do in my own country, I did here. I had a dream of learning computers and I got that opportunity here."
To hone her skills, Mary joined non-profit social organisation Danube Welfare Centre and completed a three-month computer course where she learned the basics of computer. "I can write emails, make presentations and this has helped me getting promoted as a data entry clerk."
Mary has managed to secure a better job that gives her much better living. "This independence I have achieved in the UAE has boosted my confidence. I feel I can achieve anything if I put my heart and mind to it because that's what this country does! It gives us a chance to have a dream and then the means to achieve it."
"I want to open my own business one day and contribute to the society," she said.
The power of language

Working in a cleaning service company, Bimla Prakash knew that if only she could improve her English language skills, she could earn better.
"I left my ailing parents, fiancé, siblings and relatives to come to the UAE and earn money so that I could finance my father's treatment. My cousin working in the UAE called me to Dubai but since I was not educated, I couldn't find a job with good salary."
Bimla attended free English classes at Danube Welfare Centre after her work hours in the evening, where she gained confidence along with language skills. Soon after that she was promoted and her new job is to cater at events and parties, where her speaking skills are tested.
"Coming to the UAE has changed my life. I am proud of myself that I am capable to take care of my family and stand on my own feet. I want to complete my English and computer course and then grow in my career. Later on, I want to educate the illiterates in my country for them to prosper in their lives. All these free classes and opportunities - I owe it all to the UAE"
saman@khaleejtimes.com


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