Gaza’s Truck Driving Woman Sends a Message of Empowerment

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DRIVER — Samira Siam is a 63-year-old skilled driver in Gaza. (Photograph: Mahmoud Ajjour, The Palestine Chronicle)

By Mahmoud Ajjour – Gaza

Samira Siam is a 63-year-old lady from Gaza and 30 years in the past, she grew to become Gaza’s first skilled truck driver.

30 years in the past, Samira Siam grew to become Gaza’s first skilled truck driver.

Now, at 63, she is a driving teacher.

Although Palestinian girls are effectively built-in in numerous fields of labor in Gaza, and all through Palestine, skilled driving shouldn’t be one among them.

And although Gaza has lastly damaged the taboo of ladies as taxi drivers, and even automobile racers, truck driving stays a person’s job.

So, when Siam joined the career 30 some years in the past, she was the speak of the Gaza Strip.

Now, Siam is taking her job to a complete new degree.

“I obtained a license to drive buses and ambulances, I used to be one of many first girls to take action in Gaza,” Siam advised The Palestine Chronicle.

“It began as a passion after which it grew to become the primary supply of earnings for me and my household,” she added.

Siam advised us that her household has all the time inspired her to pursue her goals.

“I discovered methods to drive in 1984, and I made a decision to show it right into a career by buying extra licenses,” she mentioned proudly.

“On the time, a lady driving a truck was not absolutely accepted, however over time issues have modified.”

The change has occurred due to path blazers like Siam and lots of different girls in Gaza.

Now, Siam works as a driving teacher. Her presence within the driving college has inspired different ladies to acquire different kinds of driving licenses, as Siam has achieved a few years in the past.

“My message to Palestinian girls is to all the time consider in themselves and be assured in who they’re,” Siam mentioned, earlier than returning to her job, instructing women and men methods to drive.