Yet another woman following the lead of other MENA region females on the road to modernity and contribution to society. Afrah Al-Othman gets the title “First Arabic Woman to Drive a Submarine Remotely”, rightfully so. But what led to this and how much hard work did she have to do both academically and professionally to get to this point?
The Working Woman
Al-Othman started her academic career in Al-Ahsa Governate in Saudi Arabia, getting a Bachelor’s degree in biology. With an excellent degree from King Faisal University. Then under the scholar program in Saudi, she was able to go and get her Master’s degree, also in biology, from Dalhousie University, in Nova Scotia, Canada. Then back to Saudi to get her Ph.D. in Marine Science from KAUST University. For most, all these academic achievements are more than satisfying and soul-fulfilling but not for Al-Othman, she knew she had her work cut out for her and she definitely did it.
The Work
The remotely operated submarine mission comes in an effort to explore the deepest parts of the Red Sea and while there are countless attempts and exploration dives across the globe, many scientists and experts were involved. This one is definitely a milestone not just for the MENA region but for the women of the region. The National Center for Wildlife in Saudi Arabia applauded Al-Othman as the first female ROV operator on their official Twitter account.
It feels like the whole world is watching in awe while Saudi Arabia is leading the way to a better brighter future for its females in all fields of work.
The Deep End
Al-Othman says that she “intents on exploring the red sea even more and give her expertise to nest generations all in an effort to be a part of 2030 vision for Saudi Arabia”
We can all agree that this is a huge step and we couldn’t be more proud of a lady of our own MENA region that has the passion to steer full speed into the deep end of not just the Red Sea but into the dated traditions and gender roles of society. All thanks to the new vision of Saudi Arabia for its women. To make them a pillar for the country’s fast-developing economy. Just a couple of years back, Saudi women were just able to get driver’s licenses and drive around just as equal to males of the region and look how far they collectively come to, and they aren’t showing any signs of stopping.
