DEARBORN — Speaking at a ceremony for the Yemeni American Benevolent Association (YABA) Oct. 13 Aswan Almaktary, the director of a women’s program said while women have built successful careers in fields such as law, medicine and engineering there are still many who haven’t had the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. 

 

Pictured above are the scholarship recipients. A powerful message on some women being prevented from pursuing higher education because of family objections was delivered.

“I want to talk about women who didn’t make it, not because they were not smart enough or lacked motivation, but because their father, brother or husband refused to support their dreams and ambitions. In this country the opportunities are endless and we admire educated people. Therefore there should not be any reason that anyone would not be allowed to pursue education and become a productive individual who contributes to the improvement of the family, the community and the country as a whole,” she said. 

Almaktary spoke about one young woman she’s collaborated with on projects. The woman excelled in all the activities she participated in and lived up to everyone’s expectations, and that was possible because she received the full support of her family. She now attends the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and lives in a college dorm. 

“Because she had been active since she was a high school freshman, her efforts were acknowledged early on by organizations from all over the country. She is living proof of what women can accomplish when we recognize their abilities, support their efforts and are proud of their achievements. And watching this girl succeed, it makes me even more sad to see girls who don’t receive that kind of support but have to submit to what others are planning for them,” she said. 

Almaktary urged family members to use the power they have to  play a big role in the future of their daughters, wives, and sisters. “Please give them the opportunity they deserve. Look at their abilities, and support their dreams and their plans for their future. Let’s open our eyes to see what bright lights our daughters are and make it easy for them to walk the path they have chosen for themselves. I don’t want to hear another story about a young lady with a high GPA who cannot pursue her education because of someone’s objection. Please help us help you because our success will be a reflection of your support for your daughters and the bright future of your community,” she said. 

Almaktary spoke at the YABA’s 43rd Annual Scholarship and Awards Ceremony at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center here. It was well attended, and guests included public and elected officials. “We are proud that YABA has been a fundamental part of the community as a whole,” said YABA President Fuad Saleh. Over the decades YABA has provided daily social, education and cultural services to the community.

 According to Saleh, moving forward one of YABA’s goals is to invest in young students and their futures by helping them understand the importance of higher education and learning achievements.  

Scholarship recipients include: Ghanem Hassein, Munassar Ali, Hanan Yahya, Moadh Aljawobaei, Mayla Harp, Suemaya Ghaleb, Ebtehal Almoflahi, Aml Altahmi and Alaa Tolba. The Student of  the Year Award was given to Hassein. 

Saleh thanked YABA founders, former presidents, YABA Executive Director Ali Baleed and Deputy Director Ali Salem in addition to board members, volunteers and teachers from the YABA Arabic School. 

Awards were distributed to owners of the Dearborn Fresh Supermarket, Gani Ali Almansoob, one of YABA’s former presidents, Almaktary for her work with the Saturday Girls Gathering Program, YABA Arabic School principal Raidh Nassar, and Ahmed Saleh, one of YABA’s members since 1970. The keynote speaker was Stanley Henderson, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Life at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.