It was one of those sleepless nights for Manal Fadel Saleh’ 40 when she engaged in much thought about her future. Her confusion grew worse as she had to listen to the advice of her two parents while also attending her heart hesitantly demand going on one time and giving up another.

Such nights stopped only when Manal started her training in mobile maintenance at Irada program. She was among the first female trainees to defy social stereotypes in that she wanted to work in a field long monopolized by men. In Manal’s belief, the monopoly was not only of the work but also of the privacy, much of which can be accessed through having somebody’s cell phone.

Following thorough preparation through reading and internet surfing, she successfully passed the required testing and won a place among the trainees in her desired field.

As she realized show now could contribute to her society, Manal felt overwhelmingly happy. She would excitedly share her new experiences and her innovative ideas with her colleagues, thus proving early her capability and creativity.

Nothing could stop Manal, especially after she decided to pursue success despite her hearing-impairment, caused by an Israeli sudden attack on a neighboring house in 2009.

She counts the night hours before it is time to leave for work because she now works at Irada’s mobile maintenance unit, which is part of a project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, sponsored by the United Nations Development Program, and implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Work.

“I feel tremendously happy when I get to my workplace,” Manal says. “My work is my everything; it is my hope. I am thankful to Khaled Al-Safadi, my trainer, who helped me all throughout before his death. I am determined to keep my gratitude for him by carrying the legacy of his work. Soon, I will be starting my own business, which I expect to serve females mostly. It will make them feel more assured about their privacy. It will be the first-of-its-kind in Gaza!”

Manal’s business will positively influence her socioeconomic status as she will have an independent and reliable source of income. She finally plans to use this income to live a secure and happy life with her family.