Unique courses
It is a great achievement and I am very proud of Mariam Darwish (“Bringing down the gender barrier, brick by brick”, Gulf News, March 6). I know exactly how she feels. I myself am studying a major that not many young Emiratis may consider — I am studying hotel management, tourism and hospitality in a college in Abu Dhabi. At the moment I am the only Emirati student enrolled in the course. I have faced a lot of negative reactions from within the community, yet I try to explain the reasons why I love this major and what makes it different and unique. The graduates have numerous working opportunities in various places such as airports, the tourism industry, museums and theme parks how cool is that? I am happy with what I am studying. In fact, it’s the best thing that I have ever done.
From Mr Afra Al Daheri
Abu Dhabi
An unreal dream
‘Wow’ is the first word that comes to mind after having read about Mariam Darwish. I am a fan of cars, have driven all sorts of cars and know quite a bit about them. For some time now, I kept telling my husband that I want to learn how to operate a crane and he laughed at me. But now I think it is not impossible. Mariam Darwish is an inspiration for everyone, especially for women in any field. I hope the authorities would some day allow women to obtain driving licence for heavy vehicles.
From Ms Zakia Adeel
Sharjah
Not an easy job
Congratulations to Mariam Darwish, who works for the Al Futtaim Motors’ Lexus service centre. I think most Emirati women are shy when it comes to choosing jobs. I for one wouldn’t mind to work in that field myself as it’s a learning experience. I lived in UK for a few years and saw women dirty their hands and drive trucks. Then why not here? Besides, you [are able to] feed your children. As a single parent, Mariam Darwish shouldn’t give up [her] dreams since it is not an easy job to raise children alone. Mariam Darwish, you make me proud.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Modern lives
I will read out this article to our grade nine students, who are studying the “school to work” theme in the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) curriculum. I’m sure Mariam Darwish will be an inspiration to these girls and inspire them to look at all the career options available to women in modern day UAE, not just the traditional ones.
From Ms Sally
Al Ain
A difficult challenge
I am really proud of Mariam Darwish. As an Emirati woman, she has done what people mostly believe women can’t do. But, Mariam has proven them wrong. Not only as an Emirati, but she has shown women of every culture that as a woman she can take the difficult challenge and she achieved it in four years. Follow what you feel your heart wants to do. I hope one day Mariam will have her own organisation – Al Murraim.
From Ms Mgeni Bakari Salim
Dubai
Decent work lives
Great work Mariam Darwish! It is not only you who is working in a decent manner, but you are also guiding many other women to do the same. All the best.
From Mr Syed Mohi Al Deen
Dubai
Hard work
Mariam Darwish is bringing the change in society. Always keep in mind that hard work rewards. I wish you good luck and may your dreams come true!
From Mr Adel
Dubai
Role model
Carry on Ms Mariam Darwish. My colleagues and I appreciate your efforts and wish you all the best. You really are a great mother and a role model, especially for the women in the Gulf.
From Ms Fia Akbar
Ras Al Khaimah
Recognising talent
Mariam Darwish is truly inspiring. Anyone who has suffered in life will definitely get motivated. Special appreciation to her employers for giving her an opportunity and recognising her talent.
From Mr Praveen
Dubai
Positive image
Mariam Darwish has not only done something great for herself, but also opened a path for many people. She has created a positive and strong image of women working in unusual places, with pride and decency. I wish her all the very best and hope to bring my car to Al Murraim one day.
From A Reader
Dubai
Equals in today’s world
Every man should understand what every woman has the capability to do. There are women astronauts, doctors, surgeons, deep sea divers, pilots, sea rescuers, ruling leaders and ministers. Emirati women are really outstanding. We should be proud of the UAE government, which encourages women to be equal to men in this dominated world.
From Mr Vijay
Dubai
Dream come true
What Mariam Darwish is doing is amazing and she deserves a lot in return. Women will feel proud to be working like this. Hopefully, Mariam’s dream will come true some day. She is taken the first step to break all obstacles and surpass the issues women face in their lives.
From A Reader
Dubai
Self confidence
I must say that Mariam Darwish is an inspiration to all the Emirati women. I really appreciate her work and her self confidence. I wish her all the success in life and [hope] her dreams come true. I am sure we will see ‘Al Murraim’ one day.
From Mr Salman Bhatti
Dubai
Great inspiration
Mariam Darwish, you are a great inspiration for us, particularly for me. You are a living proof that gender is not a hindrance and that we, women, can contribute in any field, to the success of a society. Well done and wishing you the best in all your endeavours!
From A Reader
Dubai
Comfortable environment
It is heartening to see that Mariam Darwish has found a job and is able to support herself. However, I think being a Muslim and living in a Muslim country, efforts should be made to provide a female-only garage for her where she could work with other females in a more relaxed environment. The garage could provide services for female customers or women could bring their family members’ cars to fix. This is an excellent opportunity for Mariam. However, as some of the comments seem to imply, let’s not go the way of the West to use this as yet another opportunity for males and females to mix. In cases where a woman does not have support, she is permitted to work, but in an appropriate environment. Just because a woman is doing the job that normally men do, does not automatically mean that she should do it together with other men.
From Mr Abu Sumayyah
Al Ain
Breaking the barrier
I am looking forward to see every one showing the right attitude to break the barriers of gender, cast and creed. ‘Al Murraim’ is not very far way.
From Ms Deepu
Dubai
Inspiring others
Congratulations Mariam Darwish – you will definitely be an inspiration for other women to come forward and take up challenging jobs.
From Mr Hazeeb Omar
Dubai
Proud women
Mariam Darwish’s story really inspired me and her achievements make other women proud. You are an amazing mother and may your dream to run your own garage come true some day. Keep up the good work!
From Ms Rose
Dubai
Unaware of the future
Mariam Darwish’s story is truly inspiring. All women should read about it. I don’t depend on my partner for everything. It should be like that, because nobody knows how long our partners will stay with us. Mariam is a great mother and a role model for several.
From Ms Laura
Abu Dhabi
Determination
This is a great achievement. Mariam Darwish is not only daring, but also has a lot of self determination and focus. She wants to break the barrier and restrictions, by asserting herself.
From Mr Narayan
Sharjah
Taking up a challenge
It’s really appreciable that Mariam Darwish took up the challenges and succeeded with her willpower. I wish her all the success and hope her dreams come true.
From Mr P. N. Panickar
Dubai
Gender equality
It’s really inspiring to read an article like this of how women in the Gulf countries evolved and respond for gender equality. Culture is a part of our existence, but it is good to see the openness to accept that women in an empowered workspace.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
