A Female Gaza Student Breaks Through a Male Dominated field with Distinction
Fidaa Fayyad, 25, lives in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip with her nine family members. Her father manages a small grocery store in Khan Younis, which only meets the family’s basic needs. In 2006, Fidaa was named the top student in Khan Younis achieving a 98.5% in her secondary school. She went on to join the Islamic University in Gaza (IUG), studying civil engineering. Fidaa graduated with excellence in 2011 and went on to work part time as a reader at IUG as well as field engineer.
Fidaa was among the strongest candidates applying for the Al Fakhoora International Masters Degree scholarship in 2012. She made a strong argument on the future of water in Gaza and the importance of having professional skills to manage and solve the Gaza water crises. Fidaa said, “Water will be flaming the a war in the region, this is not only a problem in Gaza, but in different places in the world, yet the problem in Gaza goes deeper as we do not have and are not allowed the expensive tools and technology of water treatment due to the blockade. Our wastewater is only primarily treated and then pumped into the sea. We need sustainable and healthy solutions.”
Fidaa left Gaza in 2012 to pursue her Master’s of Science in Water Engineering at Brunel University in London. In October 2013 Fidaa completed her degree with distinction, topping her classmates.
“It was scientific and practical experience. My course tutors were among the most expert and professional staff. Inside the University, there was a river passing by, called Pinn, which helped us to tackle lab research in the field. I have worked on ultra-filtration membranes as a cheap and new technique for water management and desalination.”
Fidaa had notable participation in advocacy activities as well, particularly during the war on Gaza in November 2012. “I worked with the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Palestine Society and the Muslim’s Society. At the Friends of Palestine Society, I was involved in raising awareness about what was going on in Gaza, and I participated in the National Student’s Conference, where I managed a stall that provide awareness on the Palestinian issue.”
Fidaa concludes, “The current job market in Gaza seems challenging as most of the projects now are frozen, the water sector is one of the most massive needs. I am sure I will be leading the way to a successful future.”
