Competition recognises talents of women engineers

AMMAN — For the fourth consecutive year, the Committee of Arab Women Engineers, in cooperation with the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) and the Federation of Arab Engineers, honoured the most distinguished Arab women engineers.

“The first competition was organised in Jordan in 2011, followed by a second one in Lebanon, and the third in Libya,” said JEA President Abdullah Obeidat.

“Many Jordanian women engineers have what it takes to stand out; this is their chance to be in the spotlight. We encourage women to take up leading and decision-making positions,” he added.

“The committee was launched in 2011 with the aim of showcasing local talent and distinguishing Arab women engineers from other professions,” Obeidat said.

In Jordan, 40 per cent of young women are majoring in engineering, he noted, while the number of women engineers exceeds men by 26 per cent.

Fadwa Abu Ghaida, who chairs the Committee of Arab Women Engineers, said the competition for female engineers is aimed at exchanging knowledge to improve the attitude towards women engineers.

“Arab women engineers will reach senior positions and will achieve success internationally, not only in Jordan or the Arab world,” Abu Ghaida added.

The criteria, according to Hanan Awwad, a member of the judging panel, are based on the academic and consultative aspects of each engineer’s project. 

She added that the panel consisted of five engineers from the private and public sectors.

A total of 44 contestants applied for the competition, and were evaluated and transferred to the individual assessment level, and accordingly, interviews were scheduled to discuss the projects. 

“The competition was really close, but we had to choose one project,” Awwad added. “The projects were based on ideas that are implemented abroad; they are accomplishments we are proud of.”

“Each project tells and reflects a success story,” she said.

HRH Princess Sumaya honoured the winners.

Mays Batayneh, a Jordanian architect working in the private sector, said the main challenge she faces is achieving a balance between family and work. 

“Working for nine hours is not an easy thing to do, especially when you have a family waiting for you at home. But somehow, you have to try and find a way,” she said.

“Wake up every day and tell yourself that you are not allowed to give up on your dreams,” Batayneh added.