7 HCT Dubai students present a trendsetting graduation project

Their task was cut out for them: a graduation project that would have maximum impact. So Hamda Al Khattal, Rawdha Al Jaradi, Aliah Al Sumaiti, Awatif Gaith, Latifa Nadi, Muna bin Dahi and Noora Al Shamsi got together and brainstormed. They had two months to work on a project and make it a success. They did. The graduation project; “Emirati Women Breaking Barriers” created by these seven Corporate Communications’ Year 4 students from the Higher Colleges of Technology – Dubai (HCT-Dubai) created waves at a well-attended presentation and panel discussion on May 27 at the Dubai Women’s College campus.

But it was not easy. Their project was grand in intent, and would be in impact too, but first they had to communicate to all the women they wanted to represent in their project. They had to go by meager information in newspapers and in the community but gradually, they managed to contact all the 37 women. They had to conduct extensive research and eventually, when they had the information, they realised it was so strong and motivating that it was important to put it all together in the form of a book that would be a document for all times. The bilingual book in Arabic and English ‘First Emirati Women’ was distributed at the Dubai Women’s College during the event,

Designed from start to finish by college students, the black and white sketches of the women were done by students of graphic design – Rawdha al Shamsi and Fatma Hatam. The smart, elegant book thus proudly bore the mark of a complete in-house job.

The scope of the project, as it came together in its final form, changed the outlook of the seven final year students for ever. Says the project researcher Rawdha: “At first, I was a very shy person. But the college taught me to set aside my inhibitions, think independently, conduct research and make presentations in public. This research project proves that as students, we are capable of forming a thesis and researching and publishing content on it. It has given me tremendous confidence in myself.”

Awatif adds: “ Our project was unique. The story of these women gave us the courage and the inspiration to pursue our research and while the presentation gave us the confidence to step out into the world after graduation, these women have given us the roadmap to our progress and success.”

“This event is one-of-a-kind that gathered talented Emirati women from different professions. As students in our final year, we are capable and well prepared to organise outstanding events that aim to develop our society.”

“We are proud of being a part of this community and wish that this event will inspire female Emiratis,” says Muna Bin Dhahi, Corporate Communications students and the forum’s organising committee manager.

The project showcased some of the leading Emirati women in society who set precedents by storming traditional male bastions – the first women nuclear scientist, first aircraft technician and first pilot, first forensic expert, first metro driver, first orthopaedic doctor and surgeon, first police captain and even the first steel worker.

Salma Al Beloushi, the first female pilot. recounted an incident on her maiden flight where a colleague expressed doubts about her ability as she wore a hijab. Salma ‘s retort was, “I told him I use my hands to fly the aircraft, not my scarf. Also, my scarf covers my head and not my brains.”

All the 37 women who were subjects of this research had to battle conventional mindsets and persevered so as to not lose sight of their dreams and their belief in their ability.

The Emirati Women: Breaking the Barriers project served a two-pronged purpose: one, it brought these exceptional women into the limelight who had shown courage and foresight to set new precedents and had not been written about. No one had researched their circumstances and learning experiences before. Two, for the seven students who embarked on this project, it was a deeply inspiring and motivating experience that changed the way they will approavh their future.