By Saja Younes | Water and Environmental Engineer, Deputy of Project Implementation Unit, Nablus Municipality

Once upon a time, in a beautiful city called Nablus, there lived a young girl named Saja. From a very young age, Saja had always been fascinated by the world of engineering. She would spend hours planting flowers in the small containers this is to get more oxygen, dreaming of one day becoming an engineer just like her father.

Saja's father was a remarkable man who had a deep passion for the environment. He would often talk to Saja about pollution and the importance of protecting the planet. His words resonated with her, and she knew that she wanted to make a difference in the field of environmental engineering.

As Saja grew older, her determination to pursue a career in engineering only grew stronger. She decided to study civil engineering at the local university, eager to learn all she could about the field. Her father was her biggest inspiration, always encouraging her to follow her dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

However, tragedy struck when Saja's father passed away in 2014. It was a devastating blow for her, as she had lost not only her father but also her mentor and guiding light. Despite her grief, Saja knew that she had to carry on his legacy and continue her journey in engineering.

Determined to honor her father's memory, Saja decided to specialize in water and environmental engineering for her master's degree. She wanted to focus on finding sustainable solutions to the pollution problems that plagued her town. Little did she know that her path would be filled with challenges and obstacles.

After completing her studies, Saja joined the Nablus municipality, eager to put her knowledge and skills to use. However, she soon discovered that being a woman in a male-dominated field was not easy. Many people doubted her abilities and questioned her presence in such a demanding profession.

Undeterred by the skepticism and prejudice she faced, Saja remained steadfast in her pursuit. She knew that her father would have wanted her to fight for her dreams and prove that gender should never be a barrier to success. With every challenge that came her way, Saja became even more determined to break down the barriers and prove her worth.

She worked tirelessly, using her expertise to develop innovative solutions for the environmental issues that plagued Nablus. Slowly but surely, her hard work and dedication began to pay off. People started to recognize her talent and the positive impact she was making in the field.

Saja's perseverance and passion inspired others, especially young girls who aspired to become engineers. She became a role model, showing them that they too could overcome societal expectations and pursue their dreams. Saja's journey was not just about her own success; it was about breaking down stereotypes and paving the way for future generations.

As the years went by, Saja's efforts led to significant improvements. Saja's work was recognized not only locally but also internationally, earning her accolades and respect from her peers.

Looking back on her journey, Saja knew that her father would be proud of her accomplishments. She had turned her childhood dream into a reality, all while carrying on his legacy of environmental awareness. Saja had proven that being a woman in a male-dominated field was not a limitation but a strength.

And so, the story of Saja, the water and environmental engineer, serves as a reminder that passion, determination, and the belief in oneself can overcome any obstacle. She showed the world that gender should never define one's abilities or limit their potential. Saja's story continues to inspire generations to come, reminding them that they too can make a difference in the world, regardless of societal expectations.