Throughout history, women have been fighting for their equal and rightful place in this patriarchal world. After years and years of struggle, women today have managed to progress more than ever in all fields of life. They are breaking stereotypes by taking on roles that were previously thought of as ill-fitting for women.
Although women are entering careers in science fields now more than ever, many of them leave after not feeling fully accepted in these male-dominated industries. The fact that gender stereotypes may lower women’s interest, and as a result, performance, in such fields is undeniable.
However, there exist some unsung, heroic, and strong women who have successfully established a career for themselves in a tough world.
Jameela Khatoon is a shining star who has boldly managed to make a place for herself in a male-dominated industry. A mother of two and a sole earner of the family, Jameela works as a mechanic in Ranchor Line, Karachi. Getting her hands dirty to change the engine oils of vehicles and cleaning them up is her everyday routine.
When it comes to supporting her family, Jameela has never shied away from a hard day’s job whether it’s becoming a wholesaler or a newspaper deliverer.
“Providing for my family has motivated me to stand up against society’s ridiculous standards. I believe that it is against the dignity of a woman to beg for herself. I have always had a firm faith in working hard and that’s exactly what I preach to other women. There is no task that a woman cannot perform if she puts hard work into it,” says Jameela.
Jameela has faced struggle after struggle but her resilience never fell short. It is said that when you resolve to do something good, the universe finds ways to help you with it. The Crown Group of Companies acted as a guiding light by supporting Jameela in enabling more avenues in enhancing her trading in the motorcycle industry.
With the company’s support, she now works as an authorized Crown parts seller, thereby helping her to earn more from her little oil shop.
The Crown Group of Companies has always been actively involved in CSR initiatives by continually contributing to the economic development of Pakistan while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families, as well as of the local community and the society at large.
By reaching out to people like Jameela Khatoon and supporting them in their struggle, Crown Group aspires to empower the females of Pakistan so that they may not shy away from taking up tasks that were previously deemed as ill-fit for women.
Among the many initiatives by the Group, the establishment of an industrial park at Port Qasim with a total land area of 26 acres stands out as a great accomplishment.
Moreover, the Crown Group is closely working with Indus Hospital, Friends of Burns Centre, Rotary Club of Karachi Crown, Crown Road Safety Campaign (drawing awareness of wearing helmets) & Saylani Welfare.
“Our sole mission is to promote women empowerment throughout all areas of life in Pakistan through our CSR initiatives. Through our Mechanic Encashment Program, Crown Group of Companies managed to support mechanics and retailers as much as it can,” says Zohaib Farhan, Director Business Development, Crown Group of Companies.
Women like Jameela are an inspiration for all. It is high time we started culturally accepting the rise of women in all fields of life, thereby promoting the growth of our GDP,” he adds.
To advance the cultural change our country needs, it is important that we start accepting and bringing more women into male-dominated industries. An important step to this is mentoring, encouraging, and supporting such women in their difficult times.
Women’s inclusion in all fields of life is a concrete key to fostering a better, accepting, and respectful societal environment.
