Engineer Mariam Jumaan was recently appointed as Chairman of The Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions (CRPEP), a government authority tasked with licensing all engineers and engineering offices in Bahrain.
What is the achievement you are most proud of?
Of everything I have done, being accepted as a Fellow of the acclaimed international Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) in 2009 has been a highlight of my career. I am also very proud of my appointment to the Supreme Council for Women in 2010, and being appointed as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunication in 2013.
Who has been your biggest supporter?
My parents and siblings have always given me their unwavering support. My mother especially has been my guidance, my role model and my biggest supporter throughout my career, often taking responsibilities that allowed me to travel and develop to where I am today. My husband and my now grown-up children, have also played an extremely supportive role.
I also had, at different stages of my career, bosses and mentors who have supported me and given me the opportunities needed to excel.
What would you say to other women wanting to join your field?
I would tell them that engineering is a very fulfilling career; develop, progress, find subjects of interest to keep you involved and stay long enough to get to a leadership position and leave a legacy for those who come after you.
There has been a gradual increase of women joining the field of engineering, and we need to keep them engaged and motivated to follow and maintain a career in engineering.
