Disability sometimes seems to limit energy as “expansive” as the universe, Doaa Kamal Qashlan believes. “The sun shines regardless of how many are asleep or awake,” she says. “It looks so bright only for those waking up early in the morning to work hard through the day.”

In a room where mobiles, tablets, computers and chargers were everywhere, Doaa was very busy working to fix tiny pieces of a tablet. The trainer uttered words of appreciation of her wonderful work, and she wore a smile of victory.

“I am Doaa, and I am 24,” Doaa begins narrating her story. “I was born with a disability because my parents are close relatives. I was then diagnosed with an atrophy of muscles that has since made me use, for the rest of my life, this wheelchair.”

In high school, Doaa was so shy, and she used to stay home and cry for long times. Her mother always kept close to her, dressing her for school, accompanying her to the classroom and waiting for her to go back home together. She never accepted any help but her mother’s.

Following her performance in school-leaving examinations, Doaa received a scholarship for two years of study at an Emirati university, which was a transformative experience in her life. When she came back to Gaza, however, she was shocked to learn that her studies could not be recognized as a qualification. For a year, then, she stayed home before her mother convinced her to study secretary. Still, she found much difficulty access her classrooms due to lack of transportation and hallways customized to people with special needs.

Doaa had often heard about Irada program, seeking to train and rehabilitate people with disability. So, she decided to join it to receive training on mobile maintenance through the “People with Disability Job Access Empowerment” project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and sponsored by the United Nations Development Program. The selection of Doaa in her chosen field was particularly challenging because mobile maintenance is generally monopolized by men.

“I wanted to compete,” says Doaa. “I chose this field confidently despite the general monopoly of men, and it was particularly challenging because I am disabled.”

She could not but feel- and look- happy when she heard her trainer describe her as one of the distinguished trainees and that she mastered the skills necessary for starting her own business.

“I love mobile maintenance,” Doaa rejoices. “I never felt as happy about such a life experience!”