Dubai resident Jowana Burgen is on a mission to empower women by teaching them the basics of car care. She organizes ladies-only classes that cover topics like changing a flat tire and replacing wiper blades to make women more comfortable with handling cars. Jowana aims to break down barriers and show women that they can take care of their vehicles themselves.
Growing up in Canada, Jowana became the ‘fix-it’ girl in her household, learning to handle machinery and repair things at a young age. After experiencing a flat tire incident in university, where she realized she could have done the repair herself if she had the tools, Jowana decided to educate herself about cars. Her father’s advice to check for recalls on her car made her realize how little she knew about vehicle maintenance.
After completing her degree in mechanical engineering, Jowana moved to Dubai and began organizing car maintenance workshops for women. Despite initial doubts about interest in such workshops in a service-oriented city like Dubai, she was surprised to have 14 sign-ups within the first two days. The sessions are not just about learning, but also about building friendships and boosting confidence in a judgement-free environment.
The workshops cover various topics like checking car fluids, handling emergencies, jump-starting a car, and understanding dashboard symbols. Many attendees were unaware of free towing services offered by insurance companies in case of breakdowns or accidents. Participants have shared stories of applying the knowledge gained from the workshops in real-life situations, like knowing what to do when their engine overheated.
Jowana hopes to expand the reach of these workshops to universities, schools, and driving schools, aiming to ensure that women across the country are equipped with the basic skills needed for car maintenance. With a session lasting approximately 4-5 hours and priced at around Dh300-Dh350, the workshops provide valuable knowledge and hands-on experience to help women feel more confident in handling their vehicles. By creating a supportive learning environment, Jowana continues her mission to empower women through car care education.
