Breaking Barriers: Women Thriving in the Region’s Male-Dominated Industries

For decades, certain industries have been labeled as “men’s fields,” leaving little room for women to enter, let alone thrive. But across the region, women are proving that no profession is off-limits. 

Whether it’s gaming, law, music, or even the centuries-old Ramadan tradition of the mesaharati, these trailblazers are making their mark! Let’s take a look at a few male-dominated industries and the women redefining what’s possible in these fields.

1. Video Game Design—Reine Abbas, A Pioneer in Gaming

The gaming industry in MENA is often seen as a male-dominated space, from game development to e-sports. But women like Reine Abbas are changing that narrative. 

As the co-founder of Wixel Studios, Reine isn’t just a game designer—she’s one of the Arab world’s leading voices in gaming. Her studio creates games with cultural depth while providing opportunities for young developers. 

2. Judiciary Field—Radwa Helmi’s Landmark Achievement

For years, Egypt’s judicial system remained an exclusive domain for men, particularly in high-ranking positions. That changed when Radwa Helmi made history as the first woman to serve as a judge in the State Council. 

Her appointment marked a turning point for women in law, proving that talent—not gender—should dictate leadership.

3. Maritime Industry—Marwa Elselehdar’s Historic Voyage

Sailing the seas has typically been a man’s domain, with few women at the helm of ships or leading maritime operations. Marwa Elselehdar, however, has charted a new course. As Egypt’s first female ship captain, she has broken barriers in a field traditionally closed to women. 

From being the only woman among 1,200 students at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport to leading the first ship to cross the new Suez Canal, she has continuously defied expectations.

4. Traditional Folk Music—Mbarka Moullablad’s Cultural Rebellion

Folk music in Morocco has traditionally been a male playground, with women often discouraged from taking the stage. Yet, Mbarka Moullablad has carved out a space for herself in the world of aita, a Moroccan oral tradition that tells stories of love, struggle, and resilience. 

Despite initial pushback, she has gained respect in her community, proving that preserving cultural heritage isn’t limited by gender. Moullablad isn’t just a musician; she’s a trailblazer ensuring that Morocco’s musical traditions remain alive and inclusive!

5. Mesaharati—Hajja Dalal, Redefining a Centuries-Old Role

The mesaharati, a Ramadan tradition where drummers wake people for suhoor, has always been a male-led role—until Hajja Dalal stepped in. In Egypt, she became one of the first women to take on this centuries-old job, challenging norms while keeping the spirit of Ramadan alive. 

Dalal’s journey isn’t just about breaking gender barriers; it’s about redefining traditions in a way that includes and empowers women.

The Future of Women in Male-Dominated Fields

These women aren’t anomalies; they’re part of a growing movement that’s reshaping industries across the MENA region. Their success sends a powerful message—barriers exist to be broken. The key now is to support, amplify, and celebrate these trailblazers, ensuring that progress doesn’t stop with them!

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