SHEIKHA Moudhi Al-Sabah is a friendly woman with a cheerful face. She is the daughter of Sheikh Ali Al-Jerrah, deputy minister for royal court affairs and former minister of oil in Kuwait. She speaks about her private life, family and work in this interview with Hia magazine, a sister publication of Arab News.
What did you study and major in?
After completing secondary school, I decided to study business since my father had wide experience in the field and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Then I went to the College of Commerce in Switzerland and majored in marketing. After getting a bachelor’s degree in the subject, I returned to Kuwait to start my business which has been running for 10 years.
How do you see business opportunities for women in Kuwait?
There are a plenty of opportunities for both men and women, but sometimes certain family situations prevent women from taking advantage of the opportunities they have. Some women are not able to balance work, home and children. At the same time, women can organize their time and set their objectives clearly and go ahead with their plans. I am sure that most women can achieve whatever they want by making use of available opportunities.
How do you assess the achievements of Kuwaiti women compared to their counterparts in other Arab and Gulf countries?
Every country has its own specialties and achievements. I have seen that Kuwaiti women have a wider presence at international events, conferences and seminars. Kuwaiti women are active and want to uphold their country’s reputation at both the regional and international levels. One can see them making use of every available opportunity. They do their work successfully and make innovations. Kuwaiti women can be found in all fields of work and often in key positions.
As a wife and mother, how do you balance your commitments to both?
What we need is planning, time management and the setting of priorities. Every situation must be given the time and attention it deserves. My work must not be at the expense of my husband and children. I will take care of my family without letting it affect my work. Working women must learn to allocate time for everything and that will enable them to lead a successful life, at work and at home.
On what aspect do you focus on the most in bringing up your children?
God has given me three sons. Abdul Aziz is the oldest; the other two are Ahmed and Ali. I am bringing them up the way my parents brought me up following the teachings of Islam. I also make sure that they are truthful and trustworthy. I always try to pass on the good qualities and morals I learned in my life to my children.
What about your friendships?
I have good friendships with many people. Some of them began in childhood and I am careful to maintain them. My friends are my friends forever. They are like my sisters. A friend is someone who loves you for who you are.
Do you ever find time to cook?
Of course I do. There is nothing strange about it and I enjoy cooking for my family. I love to prepare dishes which my children enjoy eating. I may be a sheikha but I am a human being, a wife and mother and every woman likes to go into the kitchen and prepare food for her family.
What kinds of food do you cook?
I can cook a variety of things which my husband and children like, especially pastries and pasta dishes.
To whom do you owe your success?
To my father and mother. I owe them a great deal for my success and will not be able to pay them back for their goodness toward me and for the wonderful upbringing and good qualities they inculcated into me. I always pray to Allah to give them long lives and keep them sound and healthy.
What about a normal day in your life?
My day begins early in the morning when my children leave for school. After that I go to work. When I return from work and my children from school, we have lunch together. Then I sit with them to help them with their homework and answer any questions they might have. In the evening, we often find time for entertainment and visiting relatives.
Do you have any hobbies and what are they?
Fishing and reading are two of my hobbies. I like fishing very much, especially when we go out on the weekends. I enjoy reading and find it very beneficial. I don’t spend much time in front of the TV.
