What sets strong women apart? What makes them tick? For those who are unaware, these are the women who love themselves and are confident of their abilities. They are the few who don’t need validation from other people because they are sure of themselves and what they can give to society. They embrace their colour, shape and size without fear – yes, these are brave and strong! The woman who doesn’t require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet. Do you agree or do you agree?
According to a recent survey for Women, Peace and Security Index by Georgetown University, women feel safer in the UAE than in any other country. This research comes amidst the nation’s rapid progress in fostering a gender-inclusive space. One that allows women of the country to thrive.
When Dreams Take Flight
With several such breakthroughs in the last year, where women have been at the forefront of battling gender stereotypes, leaving their mark in male-dominated industries, a particular feat that stood out was an image of two young Emirati women walking through the passageways of the Dubai Police Air Wing. Defying gender roles and making news ahead of Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, two 21-year-old female pilots, Mahra bin Hammad and Dana Al Mazmi, officially began their air missions with the Dubai Police with the one and only dream! To fly! Catching them in action in the early hours of mid-operations at the bustling Al Maktoum International Airport, one cannot help but wonder when the seed of these fearless ambitions had been planted in the young pilots’ lives. A true blue moment where the chest pumps up with utmost pride! Indeed!
The Announcement Made By The Dubai Police Felt Like A Golden Opportunity To The Audacious Pilots
For Mahra, this had been the only dream she’s ever had. For as long as she could remember, she wanted to pursue and join the aviation industry. It contributes directly to her passion and interests. On the other hand, Dana, who now cannot imagine her life without flying, admits it wasn’t really a childhood dream. It was something that she discovered late, in her teenage years. Which led me to pursue aviation for higher studies. This was a turning point in her life. The idea of becoming a part of such a diverse field, where women can fly, seemed entirely appealing to her. It made her realise that her place was in the aviation field in all true senses. It was in 2019 that the Dubai Police made an announcement for the very first time, requesting female pilots to join the Police Air Wing. Pilot Mahra considered it a golden opportunity to join a distinguished government. And it all started with a social media call to action. There was a post on Instagram that mentioned the Dubai Police was looking to recruit cadet female pilots. For them, it felt like a golden ticket to apply right away.
Fear Plays An Important Role In Pushing Their Ambitions In A Male-Dominated Environment
Undergoing intensive training over the course of two years to now carrying out critical air missions for the Dubai Police, Mahra and Dana have been trained in undertaking search and rescue missions for people who may have lost their way in the desert or the mountainous regions. Mahra shared that they have received the highest level of training associated with the highest standards of safety and quality in the region. It not only improved their knowledge and skills but also made them confident in their abilities to carry out air missions efficiently.
The two pilots who’ve dedicated their lives to show unwavering support for the safety and protection of their nation, being at the forefront of important missions, also acknowledged how fear plays an important role in pushing their ambitions. According to Mahra, fear pushes them to limits and shows them their strength. And at the end of the day, it’s an honour to serve their country despite what the risks might be. Especially so, in an environment that demands undeterred resilience and commitment. Pilot Dana further added that fear is a very powerful driving force in her life. Fearing to be in a male-dominated environment made her realise this is what she wants to do and this is where she wants to be.
The UAE Government And Their Parents Were The Roots Of Their Strength And Confidence
They shared that it is the government that acts as a stout supplier of their strength and confidence. The leaders have shown tremendous trust in them and this was their chance to give their best for them. The Emirati pilot states that there’s no such word as ‘risk’ in her dictionary. The government has given them all the opportunities to show the world, not just the UAE, that women are capable of being in male-dominated industries.
Amidst the support of the UAE government and colleagues at the Dubai Police Air Wing, the young Emiratis mention that the encouragement from their parents has been an unparalleled catalyst for their accomplishments. They were their first source of inspiration and motivation in this journey. Despite it being a male-dominated industry, their parents were the first people to believe in them. Encouraging them to push themselves to their limits.
The UAE Has Always Empowered And Supported Women In Various Fields
In their two-year-long training journey, there were no obstacles big enough to throw them off course, the pilots revealed. There were no challenges that could make me feel like they can’t go through with this. If anything, they got more courage to push forward and turn the challenges into their strengths. They wanted to show people that women are capable of being in any field they want. And, not just aviation. Having no apprehensions about setting foot in a male-dominated environment, the UAE has always empowered and supported women in various fields. This is why they’ve seen so many different women shine in a variety of industries. Recently, several Emirati women have been making headlines for achieving various ‘firsts’ in many fields. However, it was Mahra’s mother who inspired her to embark on this journey.
There was never a feeling of being a misfit for the female pilots at the Dubai Police Air Wing. The men in the Dubai Police have welcomed them as though it’s a female-dominated environment. They gave them their trust, time and effort to make them reach where they are today. Could there be anything better to expect from a nation? The Emirati pilots hope to see more young women participate actively in the aviation field in the coming years. It, being a diverse field, they want more and more women to be a part of it. They firmly believe that women are more than capable of becoming pilots and so much more.
Everything Is Achievable, There Are No Limits
In the words of Mahra- take advantage of every possible opportunity without any hesitation. The best investment you can make is in yourself. They together shared a thoughtful word saying that all the girls and women must keep going even when nobody believes them. They should be pushing themselves and nobody else. For, they’ll shine in any field they choose. Everything is achievable. Any young girl who wants to be an astronaut can be an astronaut, or wants to be a pilot can be a pilot. There are no limits.
And with a journey that is a testament to this very notion, the pilots continue to embody this spirit of there being no limits.