I don't believe in 'for men only': Emirati woman

Obaida Bilal Al Shehi, an Emirati woman in her 60s, is the first native lady to work as a ‘document-clearing’ agent for a government department. In her childhood, she worked with her father in pearling, perhaps the only woman to do so in those days.

“I don’t believe in ‘for men only’…that’s why I took up jobs which are confined to men…I wanted to prove that woman can do these jobs,” she said.

“I have proved myself in the current job as I have cleared documents for many woman…one of my recent tasks was for an old woman who was not well enough to go to a government department and finish her business…I wanted to help women in my country and I think I have succeeded in this task,” she told ‘Emarat Al Youm’ daily.

Shehi has recently been honoured by the Sharjah labour office of the ministry of labour for her achievements as a native woman.

When she was nearly 9 years old, she started accompanying her father on long and risky pearling sea voyages. When she grew up, she was involved in making traditional fishing nets and many other handicrafts.

The woman now has her own heritage village, which is visited by local women and other people on many occasions, mainly only the country’s National Day.

“I have been involved in many other professions and businesses…I have also been involved in farming and related activities…I succeeded because I have been encouraged by my people and relatives..I have also won an award for the most beautiful house garden in its 11th round in Sharjah,” she said.

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