Mona Ghaleb, a 45-year-old woman, was not just a mother accompanying her son to school or university, as we are often accustomed to seeing. Rather, she was both a mother and a classmate at the same time, sitting alongside him in the same classroom. Despite her age, Mona did not let it stand in the way of her ambition to complete her education. Together with her son Shadi, Mona pursued her university education, graduating with her son with a bachelor’s degree in dentistry from a private university in Taiz.
A Mother and a Classmate
Mona shares her story with a wide smile, telling "Khuyut": "I had always dreamed of studying dentistry, but life's circumstances stood in the way and prevented me from doing so. However, when Shadi grew older and reached adolescence, I found in him the same passion. So, I decided to fulfill both my dream and his together. I wanted to be not just a mother but a friend and a mentor to him, sharing every moment of this academic journey together."
She believes that education has no age limit and that it is the desire to learn that drives us forward. "I understand that some might be surprised by my decision, but I want to prove to everyone that age is just a number and that a strong willpower can make the impossible possible," she adds to "Khuyut."
Mona and Shadi’s journey was not without challenges and obstacles. The significant age gap between them, social pressures, and family responsibilities were all factors that threatened the continuation of this unique experience. Mona says, "As a mother of six and a wife, I have many family obligations that I must fulfill, and that was actually the biggest challenge for all of us." Nevertheless, Mona was able to overcome all these difficulties and obstacles, thanks to the support of her husband and children and her unwavering belief in what she was doing. She adds, "If it weren’t for God’s grace first and then the support of my family, achieving this dream would have been difficult."
Family Support
Mona’s husband expresses pride and happiness in the achievement of Mona and Shadi’s shared dream. He emphasizes the importance of family support in achieving such accomplishments, saying, "I am proud of my wife. She has proven to be a strong woman with iron willpower. We have provided all the support for her and our children needed to achieve their dreams."
As for Shadi, he expresses his pride in his mother, affirming that she was an inspiration and a source of support at every step. He says, "I would not have achieved this success without my mother by my side. She was my partner throughout this journey, always pushing me forward."
Mohammed Qahtan, the university president, highlights that the story of Mona and Shadi is both inspiring and ambitious, rarely seen. He confirms that the university awarded Mona and Shadi by providing them with the necessary equipment to open a dental clinic, in recognition of their determination and strong will.
“I would not have achieved this success without my mother by my side. She was my partner throughout this journey, always pushing me forward.”
The First Challenge
In Yemen, living conditions and tribal customs play a significant role in depriving women of their right to education. Social worker Seham Naji points out that the Yemeni family is often the first barrier that girls encounter in their pursuit of their legal right to education. She emphasizes that early marriage in Yemen has deprived many girls of completing their education, burdening them with responsibilities beyond their capacity.
Speaking to "Khuyut," she says, "Unfortunately, many Yemeni families become the first challenge to women’s education. Many families allow their daughters to study only until secondary school and consider that enough."
Likewise, Widad Al-Badawi, a women's rights activist, shares a similar perspective. She believes that the family is the first nucleus, either for support or suppression. She explains to "Khuyut," "Family support is the first pillar in building a girl's confidence, enabling her to be strong and face all the difficulties and challenges in society, at work, and in the academic environment, thereby boosting her confidence and her ability to overcome obstacles."
Widad further believes that many women today have the power to bring about change, whether at the family level or in society, or by supporting other women in achieving their dreams.
The Capability of Women
The latest report published by UNICEF, titled " Catching up on lost education," indicates that over 30% of girls in Yemen marry before reaching the age of 18. The growing family responsibilities often lead to their school dropout, which severely reduces their chances of resuming their education. Consequently, according to the report, this situation creates a vicious cycle of illiteracy and poverty that persists across generations.
In this context, journalist Lamees Qasim views Mona and Shadi's story as more than just an individual success. She considers it a message of hope for all mothers who dream of education, and for all girls facing challenges in realizing their ambitions. Lamees believes that through Mona’s determination and persistence, along with the ideal support from her husband and family, Mona has proven that age is not a barrier to pursuing one's dreams and that women can achieve excellence—if they wish—in any field.
