Palestine is among the list of Arab countries that are ruled by the patriarchal society. It is definitely a man’s world! In a city like Hebron, it is very abnormal when someone, especially a woman, decides to play what society has formed as a man’s role.
In 2015, Nadia Sayyed Ahmad from Hebron, became the first female in Palestine to obtain a public transportation license, making her Palestine’s First Female Cab Driver. ADWAR, the non-governmental Roles for Social Change Association in the Middle East, recognized her with their “Roles for Social Change Award”. They support Nadia in her social movement and will help support her expanding dream.This achievement says a lot about Palestine’s women!
Nadia told several news agencies that she has dreamed of becoming a driver since she was a little girl. This is something out of the box for girls everywhere, even more so in Arab society! Nadia took a stand against this issue, and the best part is that her husband stood there right along with her!
The support from Nadia’s family has also inspired her daughter, married in Jordan, to also obtain a taxi license. Nadia is now pushing her dream further, by beginning the project of opening her own small taxi business. She wants women to be able to call anytime and order a female-driven taxi, instead of having to go through the hassle of public transportation.
This woman is proud of her success in breaking cultural barriers and exceeding social standards. It’s things like this that prove how resilient Palestinian women are. Nothing can stand in the face of their dreams, once they get started.
Leave a smile and let us know that you support Nadia!
