Dubai: Tradition and culture should not be a barrier that limits Emirati women and communication is the key tool in changing people’s mind set about certain professions was the message that Emirati women pioneers shared at the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai yesterday.

The forum titled ‘Emirati Women breaking Barriers’ was organised by a group of senior students as part of their senior graduation project.

During the panel titled ‘Which comes first my culture, traditions and family or my career’, speakers discussed the relation between career and traditions and the means to convince parents about the unusual professions.

“My mother wanted me to follow in my sister’s footsteps and become a doctor but I wanted to become an aircraft engineer. It was hard convincing my entire family about this career path especially as I had to study abroad to obtain my degree but after sitting with them once, twice and ten times they finally saw that this is what I really want. This is the message that I want to spread today, communication is key, you should sit with your family and have an open conversation.” said Suaad Al Shamsi, the first female Emirati aircraft engineer

Mariam Al Saffar, the first female Emirati Metro operator, agreed with Suaad regarding the importance of communication with family and also stressed maintaining a balance between career and tradition.

“Emirati families are usually against their daughters following unusual career paths because they fear that it will eventually cause them to have no boundaries when it comes to respecting their culture and religion. Young Emiratis can and should pursue whatever dream they have given that it remains within the boundaries that respect their religion and tradition,” added Mariam.

The event’s guest of honour was Najla Al Awadhi, former member of the Federal National Council (FNC), Chief Executive at Dubai Media Incorporated and distinguished media pioneer in the Middle East.