The course of Samah Ayoub's life has been deeply influenced by the British Council's presence in Sudan from her earliest years.
Samah Ayoub Hussain Khalifa fondly reminisces about her childhood, where she stood out among her siblings by finding joy in tinkering with electronics. Unlike her family members, who typically pursued careers in teaching or medicine, Ayoub was determined to chart her own path as an engineer, becoming the first in her family to do so. Encouraged by her parents, who recognised her passion, she embarked on a bachelor’s degree in Electronics at the Sudan University of Science and Technology. She not only made history as the first female engineer in her family, but also excelled academically, graduating at the top of her class.
Armed with an impressive academic background, Ayoub eagerly sought opportunities in the engineering field, but her efforts were met with disappointment. Despite her relentless pursuit and numerous applications, she encountered discrimination from potential employers who doubted her ability to handle the physical demands of engineering due to her gender. Undeterred by this setback, Ayoub refused to let stereotypes define her career. Instead, she embraced a national civil service opportunity at the Sudanese Thermal Power Generation Plant, determined to prove her capabilities. Initially relegated to administrative tasks, Ayoub persevered, dedicating herself to her duties and unyieldingly lobbying for a chance to work in the engineering department. Her persistence paid off when she finally earned a transfer, proving her worth by solving complex engineering challenges and earning the respect of her colleagues.
In her journey to overcome gender barriers in the engineering profession, Ayoub discovered the Connecting Classrooms programme by the British Council, a fortuitous opportunity that provided her with the skills and knowledge to support other women facing similar challenges. Through this programme, Ayoub gained technical expertise in coding, entrepreneurship, and gender equality, topics that resonated deeply with her own experiences. Inspired by her newfound knowledge and driven by a desire to challenge stereotypes, Ayoub founded the ‘100 Girls, 100 Futures’ initiative, aimed at supporting young women to pursue diverse career paths despite societal barriers.
Motivated by the success and knowledge gained through the Connecting Classroom programme, Ayoub's initiative has made a tangible impact, providing employment opportunities for girls amidst the turmoil of war in Sudan. Through skills development and mentorship, Ayoub's initiative has enabled young women to navigate and overcome the obstacles hindering their professional growth, offering hope and empowerment in challenging circumstances.