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Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I am originally from Lebanon. I grew up in the menacing shadow of a long civil war in the 1970s and 1980s. I come from a family predominantly female as I have four sisters and no brothers. My parents held a strong belief that education is the means to empower us as women – education as they put it is a “weapon” which you will need to fend for yourself anywhere and be equipped to deal with whatever life throws at you. In this spirit, I decided to pursue higher education and achieve my goals. I wanted to be a teacher, so I studied English Literature, then completed a Master’s degree in English Literature. Then I completed a PhD in Comparative Literature at the University of Toulouse, France. I taught English for several years at different levels, primary, secondary and third level.
After getting married Liam and I came to Ireland to the booming economy in the late 1990s. I started working in administrative and support roles, which was a different type of work from what I was doing before. However, I was able to build on my previous skills and utilise them in the new role. I learned that whatever job one does and whatever level or set of skills one has, there is a golden rule: the job needs to be done with the same amount of engagement and commitment in order to have the desired impact - no matter how big or small, especially in a support role in an academic environment.
For over 20 years I have tried to keep the balance between work commitments and family ones. We have three lovely daughters, whom we are bringing up to believe in themselves and support them to get the highest education possible. Education is an insurance policy against ignorance, poverty, dependence and weakness.
During my illness a few years ago, the support I received from my female friends and colleagues made it possible for me to get back on my feet and get back to work. I could never be grateful enough for their support at the darkest time in my life.
What are your goals for this year?
Professionally, I would like to keep productive and positive and support students in every possible way to achieve their goals and progress in their careers – help make their journey in UCD a positive one. I hope they will be able to take this experience to their practice later and see that having education and skills are great but human kindness and understanding are far more important to build a better world.
Why do you think it is important to have female role models?
Women still seem to pay a higher price for the decisions made in politics, business, law-making and other key roles in society. There is still a long way to go to achieve equality. The role model is ever so important – to tell our children that you can be like her, to highlight these role models is an essential factor in achieving change.
Is there a woman during your career that has inspired you?
Yes, Dr. Samira Aghacy was a lecturer on my undergraduate course, then she was my MA thesis supervisor. I was influenced by her thinking and belief in the power of text in changing the world. She then became my colleague and Chair of our Humanities department. She was an inspirational lady, who has dedicated her life to a combination of academia and activism. She was the Director of the Arab Institute for Women (AiW), one of the very few of its kind in the Middle East. She taught me about critical thinking, to encourage students to read, to open their minds, and liberate their thoughts from political, religious, gender or any other bias and prejudice through literature. She has written several books, poems, literature reviews etc. Her more recent work is focused on gender inequality and most importantly her significant contribution in promoting middle eastern writers who portray these pressing issues closer to the wider English-speaking audience. Her influence on my thinking, beliefs and values is immense and I will always be grateful and privileged to have worked with and learned from her.
If you could wind back the clock, what advice would you give to your younger self?
To be more understanding and patient, take things a little bit easier, to learn faster the importance of everyone’s roles, skills and the experience everyone brings to the table. Before judging someone, walk one mile in their shoes.
Why do you think you were asked to participate in this series?
I am surprised and humbled. I hope to bring some meaningful contribution from my professional and cultural background.
Do you have any parting words of wisdom for the next generation of female nurses, midwives and healthcare professionals?
The recent challenge with the fight against the Covid pandemic has made everyone realise the value of having a robust health and medical system. The quest for a vaccine and the caring for those affected have been next to a miracle in defeating this virus. Our nurses were at the centre of the crisis and had a huge role in the recovery of a huge population of patients. The nursing profession is facing increasing challenges but also opportunities. Our female nurses, midwives and other professionals need to be at the centre of decision making and shaping of a strong and modern health system.