How did you first get involved in IEEE Women in Engineering?

My involvement in IEEE started in my first year of engineering studies where I first heard about IEEE Women in Engineering through a conference. I was curious to know more and once I started searching I got inspired by its vision and the enormous impact it’s doing, I joined immediately and not only that, I formed WIE Student affinity group in ENET’Com ( the national school of electronics and telecommunications).

Why did you decide to become a WIE member?

When I finished preparatory studies I had to choose an engineering school and determine my future field of studies that will define my career. In that short time we have been given to decide I had to ask a lot of people for advice and I couldn’t but to notice a very serious problem in our society that it did frighten me.

I had a list of choices in my mind and when I asked people about it they started narrowing it into another list by eliminating the ones that are not “suitable” for women. At the beginning I didn’t understand how a job can be suitable for a man and not for a woman? They were so confident about what they said and proceeded to convince me; You’re a woman one day you’ll be married and build a family you should find an easy job that doesn’t acquire long hours away from your home, preferably one that is comfortable because you’re a woman! You shouldn’t have a job that requires a physical effort because you know you’re a woman! You shouldn’t have a job that requires working in multiple sights because you’re a woman! You should try to be a teacher that’s perfect for a woman, you don’t have to work long hours and you will find time for your husband and family. However, these are people’s opinion, it doesn’t really matters for us as much as industries and companies, it turns out this problem also exist in the industrial filed.

It’s really sad that we’re at 2018 and women still get either stereotyped or underrated in most industries, not to mention the decreasing number of women interested in science related fields. I believed that a change must be made, that’s when IEEE WIE came into my life and I knew it’s the place to start making a difference, to make an impact in our society, to contribute in building a vibrant community of men and women working collectively to achieve a higher goal.

What do you wish other people knew about IEEE WIE?

One thing I’ve been repeating ever since I joined IEEE WIE: “WE are a group of MEN and WOMEN working together to help promoting women engineers and scientists, and inspiring girls around the world”.  I feel that people should know that and always keep it in mind; when I talk to men in membership development sessions I mostly get the reaction “why you talk to me I’m a man”. One of the reasons why IEEE WIE made this impact is that it gathers women and men and they are working hard toward the same goal.

What is it like to be an IEEE WIE Volunteer, and what do you enjoy about it? 

I didn’t imagine my brief journey as an IEEE WIE member will be life changing. I worked with the most motivated and inspiring members from all around the world, we shared experiences and thoughts. It made me learn more about myself first and grow to be stronger and more confident.

There is nothing better than feeling that you’re adding to the society and doing something for the benefit of humanity, it gives you a feeling of satisfaction.

Through my involvement in IEEE WIE and being in touch with these amazing dedicated people I can’t feel but proud and hopeful.

Why do you feel it is important for women to enter into the field of engineering?

Engineering is about innovation, creativity , intelligence and passion which means women belong to the field of engineering. Besides, if you think about what will happen if we have more women in engineers work space, you’ll clearly notice that it create a diversity of thoughts; men and women tend to think differently and have different approaches in dealing with problems. I think we all agree this will have a positive effect on the business.  So why not encourage women to enter this filed?

• How did you first get involved in IEEE Women in Engineering?
• Why did you decide to become an IEEE WIE member?
• What do you wish other people knew about IEEE WIE?
• What is it like to be an IEEE WIE Volunteer, and what do you enjoy about it?
• Why do you feel it is important for women to enter into the field of engineering?