Raja Hamid Rashid

Iraq — Hanaa Karim is considered the first Iraqi woman to work in maintaining and repairing water pumps. She is an employee in the Karbala Water Directorate within the Old Hindiya Water Project. She is the only woman practicing this job alongside her male colleagues, having joined the field at a very young age.

Hanaa Karim performs physically demanding technical tasks, including replacing submerged pump washers underwater and loosening bolts despite the cold water, in addition to carrying out various maintenance operations.

Speaking about the most difficult moments she faced, she said:
“While repairing a malfunctioning pump, I suffered an eye injury, and I am still dealing with its effects to this day.”

Regarding her professional experience, she explained:
“I started working at a very young age during the 1980s at the Hindiya Water Station in the Tuwairij district of Karbala. My job was not office-based or limited to paperwork; rather, I worked as a field operator. I went out to work sites carrying my tools to repair submerged pumps along the riverbanks.”

She added:
“I am still working on the same project. I learned from my colleagues how to maintain the pumps that supply water to the area, and I faced challenges with great determination to continue.”
She also recalled the first time she climbed the high water tank. Despite the great height, she reached the top to monitor the remaining water level to ensure proper supply to the area. As for maintenance work, she did not face significant obstacles, handling tasks with confidence and ease.

She emphasized that women are capable of working in all fields just like men. Women are competent and skilled, whether in factories, water projects, or other sectors, and they are present across all domains.

She offered advice to girls, saying:
“I advise all girls not to limit themselves to a specific profession. They are capable of working in all fields. They should be strong and willing to try new experiences, as they are skilled and capable of giving and contributing.”

She also highlighted her professional spirit, stating:
“I work with my colleagues with professionalism and craftsmanship, hand in hand in various tasks.”

Despite suffering an eye injury during work, she continues to carry on with determination. She considers the sound of pumps—which others may find annoying—as a familiar melody to her. She has gained cumulative experience and extensive field expertise that have enabled her to continue and be relied upon in this field.

Hanaa Karim concluded by calling on companies and institutions to support women, emphasizing that they are competent and deserve opportunities to develop their skills and build their experience:
“Women are capable of taking on the most challenging professions, breaking stereotypes, and showcasing their energy in giving and creativity.”