Emirati Women’s Day is a celebration that honours the achievements and contributions of Emirati women across various fields. The creation of this day in 2015 by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, highlights the evolution of women in the country and their significant role in economic expansion and cultural development. One such example is Marwa Al Mamari, the UAE’s first aerospace engineer, who exemplifies the resilience, courage, and faith in her capabilities that are common among Emirati women. This faith, combined with consistency and persistence, has led Marwa to achieve historic milestones in her career.
Growing up in a traditional Emirati family, Marwa initially aspired to become a doctor due to societal expectations. However, a spark for exploration and challenge during her high school years led her to pursue aerospace engineering, a field she knew little about at the time. Despite facing uncertainty and challenges from her family and society, Marwa received support from the UAE’s leadership and her family, enabling her to pursue her dreams in a male-dominated industry. Her journey in aerospace engineering and accident prevention role at GCAA demonstrates the importance of determination, persistence, and consistency in achieving goals.
Embracing motherhood alongside a successful career, Marwa encourages women to embrace all aspects of their identity and strive for balance in their personal and professional lives. As she pursues a PhD in artificial intelligence and human factors in the aviation industry, Marwa envisions a future in aviation with zero accidents and incidents through the use of technology. Despite being one of the few women in a male-dominated industry, Marwa aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders in STEM fields and encourages young women to pursue challenging careers in STEM with persistence and consistency.
Marwa’s journey serves as a testament to the achievements and potential of Emirati women in various fields, showcasing the importance of support from family, society, and leadership. Her story inspires other women to break barriers, challenge societal norms, and dream fearlessly in pursuit of their goals. As the UAE continues to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day and recognize the achievements of women in the country, Marwa’s resilience and determination stand as an example for future generations of women in STEM to follow their dreams and make a difference in their communities and the world.
