Ikhlas Hamrouni

Tunisia — Ahlam Husseini, a young woman from the town of El Hsinet in Sidi Bouzid Governorate, managed to break into the world of marble and stone, proving that determination and perseverance can overcome social and professional barriers.

Speaking about the start of her journey, 34-year-old Husseini said she began working gradually alongside others, learning step by step. “I discovered that I could lead myself in this field. I refined my skills and started completing tasks on my own, one step at a time,” she said.

She added that her beginnings were full of challenges, especially as a young woman in a male-dominated profession that requires significant physical strength. “I asked myself, how can a girl work in marble? How can she lift stone and handle all these difficulties? It was exhausting and demanding, and I thought about giving up many times. But in the end, I relied on my own abilities and decided to start working — even though some people told me I couldn’t, because the job was too hard and not meant for women.”

Husseini explained that the support she received from her family, especially her sister, was crucial for her persistence and learning. “My sister stood by me and encouraged me to keep learning and practicing daily for two years. I learned everything on my own, and now I love my work — it’s both my livelihood and my passion.

Her Work in Marble Combines Artistic Creativity and Decoration

Speaking about the nature of her work, Ahlam Husseini explained that marble craftsmanship goes far beyond cutting and carving — it also involves artistic creativity and decorative design. “My work focuses on stone decoration, whether in homes, outdoor designs, staircases, or house ornaments. Marble is found all over Tunisia and has become a highly demanded material in the market,” she said.

“In the beginning, I was afraid of working with the tools and materials, but I learned how to fix anything and handle every task on my own. I used to carry stones and work alone, and later, I started helping others,” she added.

Husseini emphasized that daily challenges are still part of her journey. “I continue to face difficulties, like rising material prices and shortages, but I always make sure to maintain high quality so that clients return for more,” she said, noting that she sometimes works outside the city and strives to deliver her best wherever she goes.

She expressed gratitude for the local community’s appreciation of her work. “People are happy with what I do — they tell me, ‘You’re a young woman working in this field!’” Husseini explained that she is the only young woman in Sidi Bouzid working in marble, which has helped her earn the love and support of neighbors and family alike. “My father always tells me I’m a strong woman,” she said proudly.

Her success, she added, isn’t just material but also moral, rooted in mutual respect and good communication. “I know how to deal with people respectfully and maintain positive relationships.”

As for her future ambitions, Husseini said, “I hope to expand my business to cover the entire governorate, add new machinery, and hire more workers. I’ve found in this profession a source of income for myself and my team, and together we work toward success.”

She highlighted the importance of perseverance in her craft. “The journey isn’t easy — sometimes we rise, sometimes we fall — but we keep moving forward,” she said, explaining that she hopes her project becomes a model for others and proves that women are capable of excelling in traditional trades.

Husseini also shared how her work has influenced those around her. “My friends were shocked when they saw me working with marble, because they thought it was a ‘man’s job’ and too hard for a woman. But they believed in me after seeing my determination to achieve my dream — and eventually, they supported me in learning, working, and succeeding.

A Success Story Reflecting Women’s Determination and Achievements

Ahlam Husseini’s story stands as a living example of women’s empowerment in Tunisia — a testament to women’s ability to overcome challenges and prove themselves in fields that demand both physical strength and technical skill. Her journey reflects the evolution of society and the growing economic opportunities for women, inspiring young girls to venture into new fields and break traditional barriers.

Ahlam Husseini has proven that determination, perseverance, and moral support — along with patience and skilled work — can transform any challenge into a success story that inspires other young women to pursue their dreams, no matter the hardships they face.