<p>In celebration of International Women’s Day 2022, we spoke to 7 TrueProfile.io Members inspiring the future generations of women in healthcare. They talk about the importance of a career in healthcare and the message they want to send out to anyone considering a healthcare profession and their hopes for the future. </p>
<p><strong>We meet a:</strong></p>
<ul><li>Portuguese Surgery Nurse 🇵🇹</li><li>Lebanese Clinical Psychologist in Dubai 🇱🇧🇦🇪</li><li>South Korean PACU Nurse 🇰🇷</li><li>Filipino Covid Response Nurse in Abu Dhabi 🇵🇭🇦🇪</li><li>Egyptian Pulmonology Consultant 🇪🇬</li><li>Indian Ophthalmologist in the UK 🇮🇳🇬🇧</li><li>Filipino Operating Theater Charge Nurse in KSA 🇵🇭🇸🇦</li></ul>
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<h3>Ready to be inspired? </h3>
<p><strong>Read each of our Member interviews here:</strong></p>
<ol><li><a href="#Hilaria-Florencia-Maciel-Viveiros">Hilária Florência Maciel Viveiros</a></li><li><a href="#Carla-Chedid">Carla Chedid</a></li><li><a href="#Aerim-Kim">Aerim Kim</a></li><li><a href="#Jennifer-Pontanos-Gomez">Jennifer Pontanos Gomez</a></li><li><a href="#Ehsan-Yahia-Youssef-Sabry">Ehsan Yahia Youssef Sabry</a></li><li><a href="#Dr-Ayushna-Ganguly">Dr. Ayushna Ganguly</a> </li><li><a href="#Maria-Rose-Cadavona">Maria Rose Cadavona</a></li></ol>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" id="Hilaria-Florencia-Maciel-Viveiros"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/1.-Hilaria.jpg" alt="Hilária Florência Maciel Viveiros " class="wp-image-13620" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/1.-Hilaria.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/1.-Hilaria-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/1.-Hilaria-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>
<h3>Please tell us about yourself: </h3>
<p>I am from Madeira Island in Portugal. In 2001, I began my nursing degree in Lisbon. After graduating, I worked as a Surgery Nurse in Centro Hospitalar Universitario, Lisboa Central. After this, I moved to a neurology department and nursed there for 15 years.</p>
<h3>Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/choosetochallenge-supporting-international-womens-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Women’s Day</a> is important because it reminds us of our outstanding achievements. It is important to support women’s rights and participation in movements, politics and economics. Our contributions to society and achievements in developing economies must be celebrated and honored.</p>
<h3>What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #BreakTheBias, mean for you?</h3>
<p>#BreakTheBias means a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. This should be a reality and not a dream. Our goals should always be within reach and we should have the freedom of choice and to live how we want. </p>
<h3>Why is it important that more women take up careers in healthcare?</h3>
<p>I think that women approach care with a lot of sensitivity. This sensitivity makes us stronger, helps us achieve more, and gives us insight to reach the top wisely.</p>
<h3>Do you consider yourself to be a powerful woman?</h3>
<p><strong>Yes, of course! </strong>I left my home to study nursing, begin working, buy my first car and house! I used to work 3 jobs. I did my Rehabilitation Nursing Speciality and finished my Health Management Post Graduate course while working in a women’s prison and an elderly home. I’ve achieved all of this on my own. And I am really proud of myself! 😊</p>
<h3>What is your biggest achievement?</h3>
<p>My biggest achievement was when I worked as the Coordinating Nurse of a women’s prison.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/Hilaria-Florencia-Maciel-Viveiros-2-1.jpg" alt="Hilária Florência Maciel Viveiros 1" class="wp-image-13642" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/Hilaria-Florencia-Maciel-Viveiros-2-1.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/Hilaria-Florencia-Maciel-Viveiros-2-1-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/Hilaria-Florencia-Maciel-Viveiros-2-1-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Hilária and her colleagues at work</figcaption></figure>
<h3>What did you dream of doing when you were a child?</h3>
<p>My dream was to become a famous painting artist.</p>
<h3>How can we encourage more women to pursue their dreams?</h3>
<p>We need to pursue our dreams because nobody will achieve them for us. We have to put ourselves first to show our children that women can achieve anything they want.</p>
<h3>What is the most important message you want to send out to future generations of women?</h3>
<p>Never give up! Even when it seems impossible!! Yes, we can!! Believe in yourself.</p>
<h3>How important is it for women to lift each other up?</h3>
<p>It’s very important. We need to inspire each other because together, we are stronger.</p>
<h3>What are your hopes for the future?</h3>
<p>I would like to become the Head Nurse of a Neurology Department and do a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Nursing.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" id="Carla-Chedid"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/5.-Carla.jpg" alt="Carla Chedid" class="wp-image-13621" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/5.-Carla.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/5.-Carla-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/5.-Carla-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>
<h3>Please tell us about yourself:</h3>
<p>I am from Lebanon but live in Dubai, UAE. I am a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychomotor Therapist with 15+ years of experience. </p>
<h3>Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?</h3>
<p>It is important because it encourages women and the world to take a step back and acknowledge their contribution to humanity. </p>
<h3>What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #BreakTheBias, mean for you?</h3>
<p>This slogan is very important. Psychology was founded by men, the “Fathers of Psychology”. However, industry breakthroughs have allowed women to work and pioneer within this field. Our work is well recognized and I can say that discrimination no longer exists in my field.</p>
<h3>What is your biggest achievement?</h3>
<p>At a young age, I was as competent as seniors in other jobs, and I was the youngest president of a healthcare syndicate in my country.</p>
<h3>What is the most important message you want to send out to future generations of women?</h3>
<p>Learn how to raise your boys and girls equally so we can have a different world in the future. Teach them compassion, empathy and self-love.</p>
<h3>Who inspires you the most and why?</h3>
<p>Any woman who stands for her rights and brings change to her community.</p>
<h3>How important is it for women to lift each other up? </h3>
<p>Unity brings power. Women who stand together can help each other with better mental health and productive lives. This will have a positive impact on their families and children in particular.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" id="Aerim-Kim"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/3.-Aerim.jpg" alt="Aerim Kim" class="wp-image-13622" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/3.-Aerim.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/3.-Aerim-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/3.-Aerim-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>
<h3>Please tell us about yourself:</h3>
<p>Hello, my name is Aerim Kim. I live and work in South Korea. I am a nurse and have 8 years of experience working in a Post Anesthesia Care Unit description (PACU). My role involves nursing and caring for patients post-anesthetic, monitoring vital signs and neurological status and discharging them to the ward. </p>
<h3>Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?</h3>
<p>I think that talent and ability are based on your personality, not your gender. The world has and is changing. Women’s strengths need to be celebrated. However, I think we still need to do our homework and continue to be motivated by the women who marched in New York City in 1908 for shorter working hours, better salaries, voting rights, and an end to child labor. This is what kickstarted the first International Women’s Day in 1909. </p>
<h3>What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #BreakTheBias, mean for you?</h3>
<p>Nowadays, male nurses in Korea are increasing, but the nursing gender ratio is still way off. Many people think that care is a woman’s role. When a child falls ill, the mother is usually contacted and called the “working mom”. I believe that we need to remove these words. Why are women viewed differently and given a different name? We need to start to break this bias!</p>
<h3>What is the best piece of advice you were given to succeed in your career?</h3>
<p>The best things in nursing are your knowledge and skills. I handle life and emergency situations, so there’s no room for mistakes. I use my experience and passion to carry out my role carefully.</p>
<h3>Do you consider yourself to be a powerful woman?</h3>
<p>Of course! I handle emergency situations inside and outside. I’m also the charge nurse, so I manage the nurses and the environment in my unit.</p>
<h3>How can we encourage more women to pursue their dreams?</h3>
<p>Just focus on yourself and your mind regardless of gender. Have a dream and act on it. It’s time to achieve your goals!</p>
<h3>What is the most important message you want to send out to future generations of women?</h3>
<p>Being a woman is something biological. Don’t let it limit you. If you want to be something, you can achieve it. </p>
<h3>Who inspires you the most and why?</h3>
<p>When I was in high school, I read a book by Hillary Rodham Clinton, former US Secretary of State. </p>
<p>There was a section in her book when she and her husband drove away from a gas station and Bill turned to Hillary and said, “<em>Just think — if you had married him, today you’d be a gas station attendant’s wife</em>.” Hillary shook her head and said, “<em>No, Bill, if I had married him, today he’d be president of the United States.</em>“</p>
<p>And while I read this when I was very young, the meaning is powerful and has left a deep impression on me.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" id="Jennifer-Pontanos-Gomez"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/2.-Jennifer.jpg" alt="Jennifer Pontanos Gomez" class="wp-image-13624" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/2.-Jennifer.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/2.-Jennifer-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/2.-Jennifer-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>
<h3>Please tell us about yourself:</h3>
<p>I’m from San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Currently, I live in Abu Dhabi, UAE and have been working as a Covid Response Nurse since June 2021.</p>
<h3>What made you decide to leave your home country and move abroad for work?</h3>
<p>As a single mother and the eldest child, I decided to work abroad to give my son a better future and provide for my family.</p>
<h3>Why do you think International Women’s Day is important? </h3>
<p>International Women’s day is a celebration and highlights the role of women in our society. It’s our way of giving appreciation to all the women in our lives—our mother, family, wives, friends and colleagues.</p>
<h3>What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #BreakTheBias, mean for you? </h3>
<p>For me it means equality. We should acknowledge that anyone can do any job. Any task can be accomplished regardless of gender.</p>
<h3>Why is it important that more women take up careers in healthcare?</h3>
<p>Women have an innate caring character and can multitask, which are great skills for healthcare professionals. In some countries and environments like the Middle East, women prefer female professionals to attend them with respect to their culture and beliefs. </p>
<h3>Do you consider yourself to be a powerful woman?</h3>
<p>Yes, because I can stand for myself. I am earning a living that provides for my son and family. I’m independent and opinionated while being a good listener and considerate. I consider myself a powerful woman because I am in control of my decisions and life choices.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/sfasfas.jpg" alt="Jennifer Pontanos Gomez 1" class="wp-image-13661" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/sfasfas.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/sfasfas-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/sfasfas-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Jennifer and her son</figcaption></figure>
<h3>What did you dream of doing when you were a child? </h3>
<p>When I was a child, we didn’t have much. My parents struggled financially. I dreamed of being financially stable and earning a living to buy things for myself and to pamper my parents with comfort and attend to their needs.</p>
<h3>How can we encourage women to pursue their dreams?</h3>
<p>By giving them moral support and optimistic encouragement and acknowledging what they have achieved contributes to attaining their dreams.</p>
<h3>What is the most important message you want to send out to future generations of women?</h3>
<p>You are not “just a woman” but self-made with no limitations. You are confident, passionate, fierce and proud of what you have and can achieve. Work for your success and never ever be a quitter.</p>
<h3>Who inspires you the most and why?</h3>
<p>My grandmother Leticia (I call her Lolay). Even though Lolay is an elder, she insists on working, so she doesn’t need to rely on her children and grandchildren. I admire her independence, hard work, generosity, and kindness. She always gives me remarkable words of wisdom, which I still embrace. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/unnamed-2-1.jpg" alt="Jennifer Pontanos Gomez 2" class="wp-image-13652" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/unnamed-2-1.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/unnamed-2-1-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/unnamed-2-1-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Jennifer with her mother and grandmother, Leticia. </figcaption></figure>
<h3>How important is it for women to lift each other up? </h3>
<p>Women need to lift each other up so we can shine in our own spotlight. Women will be recognized if we support each other, and we are most likely to succeed if we’re on the same page. </p>
<h3>What are your hopes for the future?</h3>
<p>I’m looking forward to women’s empowerment and acknowledging women’s work and contribution in our society. Not only do women support women, but men uplift women too.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" id="Ehsan-Yahia-Youssef-Sabry"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/4.-Ehsan.jpg" alt="Ehsan-Yahia-Youssef-Sabry" class="wp-image-13625" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/4.-Ehsan.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/4.-Ehsan-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/4.-Ehsan-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>
<h3>Please tell us about yourself:</h3>
<p>I am an Egyptian Pulmonology Consultant and retired professor of Pulmonology. I have been working in the Gulf region as a Pulmonology Consultant for the past 16 years.</p>
<h3>Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?</h3>
<p>It’s important to celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.</p>
<h3>What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #BreakTheBias, mean for you in your work life? </h3>
<p>#BreakTheBias hopes to create a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.</p>
<h3>Why is it important that more women take up careers in healthcare?</h3>
<p>Because women represent the cornerstone of a family’s overall health, ensuring they have access to quality care also can lead to improved health for children and families.<strong> </strong></p>
<h3>What is your biggest achievement? </h3>
<p>When my research studies were published internationally in prestigious journals. </p>
<h3>What did you dream of doing when you were a child? </h3>
<p>To become a doctor and find a cure for Polio.</p>
<h3>How can we encourage more women to pursue their dreams? </h3>
<p>By helping each other adopt a growth mindset and encouraging one another to develop our abilities.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" id="Dr-Ayushna-Ganguly"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/6.-Ayushna.jpg" alt="Dr. Ayushna Ganguly" class="wp-image-13626" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/6.-Ayushna.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/6.-Ayushna-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/6.-Ayushna-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>
<h3>Please tell us about yourself:</h3>
<p>I am originally from India and have lived in Kuala Lumpur for the past 2 decades. Recently, I moved to the UK to do my subspeciality training in Retina. I am an Ophthalmologist and currently work as a Senior Retinal Fellow at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.</p>
<h3>Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?</h3>
<p>Despite it being 2022, a sad reality for women in many parts of the world is that they are still grappling with inequality – in terms of access to education, healthcare or even the gender pay gap. Women are expected to do it all – perform brilliantly at work, climb the corporate ladder, be a doting mother and loving partner. It is not easy juggling these multiple roles. We often take the women in our lives for granted. International Women’s Day is a good reminder to show appreciation to the women who persist in achieving their dreams despite all odds. I’m of the opinion that women should be celebrated and appreciated every single day of the year, not just on International Women’s Day. But it’s a start.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_9089.jpg" alt="Dr. Ayushna Ganguly 1" class="wp-image-13655" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_9089.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_9089-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_9089-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Dr. Ayushna with her husband and children</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Why is it important that more women take up careers in healthcare?</h3>
<p>Women are naturally more compassionate and empathetic, which is imperative and essential to being a healthcare worker. We also need more women in STEM to show future generations that they can be whatever they want to be. Gender should not be a factor.</p>
<h3>How can we encourage more women to pursue their dreams?</h3>
<p>Through education and empowerment. And not holding them back. I am where I am today because of the unconditional love and unwavering support of my family. My husband is looking after my young children back home to enable me to complete my Subspeciality Retinal Fellowship. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/084902af-9e58-4f3c-af4c-1cf3e918602b.jpg" alt="Dr. Ayushna Ganguly 2" class="wp-image-13656" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/084902af-9e58-4f3c-af4c-1cf3e918602b.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/084902af-9e58-4f3c-af4c-1cf3e918602b-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/084902af-9e58-4f3c-af4c-1cf3e918602b-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Dr. Ayushna with her family</figcaption></figure>
<h3>What is your biggest achievement?</h3>
<p>I would like to mention something non-medical here. I love the performing arts and last year, I auditioned and performed in 2 theatre productions. That made me proud as it was something new and outside my comfort zone. Even coming to the UK, leaving my family and young children in Malaysia was not an easy decision to make – but here I am! </p>
<h3>How important is it for women to lift each other up?</h3>
<p>Extremely important. Ladies – support your sisters. Everyone has a different life scenario and faces a unique situation or set of challenges. Don’t judge. What works for you might not work for every other woman. Respect their choices and celebrate your differences. Be like a bra to other women – uplifting and close to your heart! </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/Dr.-Ayushna-Ganguly-2-2.jpg" alt="Dr. Ayushna Ganguly 3" class="wp-image-13657" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/Dr.-Ayushna-Ganguly-2-2.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/Dr.-Ayushna-Ganguly-2-2-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/Dr.-Ayushna-Ganguly-2-2-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Dr. Ayushna out and about with other powerful women</figcaption></figure>
<h3>What is the most important message you want to send out to future generations of women?</h3>
<p>Always keep your head, heels, and standards high.</p>
<h3>Who inspires you the most and why?</h3>
<p>My mother. She is one of the strongest women I know. She’s assertive, confident, and most importantly- totally comfortable in her own skin. She makes absolutely no apologies for who she is. I remember during the Gulf war, she was working alone in Kuwait. She is also a physician, and I learned from her that you could be a successful healthcare professional and build a loving home. She was a feminist even before the term was coined. She always taught me to stand up for myself and the importance of being assertive without being aggressive or submissive. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" id="Maria-Rose-Cadavona"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/7.-Maria.jpg" alt="Maria Rose Cadavona" class="wp-image-13627" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/7.-Maria.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/7.-Maria-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/7.-Maria-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>
<h3>Please tell us about yourself:</h3>
<p>My name is Maria Rose Cadavona, I am 37 years old and currently work as an Operating Theater Charge Nurse here in King Faisal General Hospital, Al Hasa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I have been working in the KSA for more than 10 years, 3 years in Neurosurgery Unit and 7 years in Operating Theater.</p>
<h3>What made you decide to leave your home country and move abroad for work?</h3>
<p>Reasons that made me decide to work abroad were a higher salary, to gain experience and skills, my curiosity and as a stepping stone to be more globally competent in the field of nursing.</p>
<h3>Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?</h3>
<p>International Women’s Day is very important to celebrate because it reminds to continue advocating for empowerment and equality for women in society.</p>
<h3>What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #BreakTheBias, mean for you?</h3>
<p>For me, it means that there should equality for men and women regardless of status.</p>
<h3>Why is it important that more women take up careers in healthcare?</h3>
<p>It is important for women to take up a career in healthcare because women are caring. We have this kind of nurturing instinct and can easily adapt to different situations. Women can work in maternal and child hospitals that specifically cater to women and children only.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_20210930_2022211.jpg" alt="Maria Rose Cadavona 1" class="wp-image-13658" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_20210930_2022211.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_20210930_2022211-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_20210930_2022211-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Maria Rose in her spare time</figcaption></figure>
<h3>What is the best piece of advice you were given to succeed in your career?</h3>
<p>A piece of advice that was given to me is from my father. When I was in college he told me that to become successful in life you must study hard, be patient and give your best effort to reach your goals. Be content with what you have right now and focus on working your way to becoming successful.</p>
<h3>Do you consider yourself to be a powerful woman?</h3>
<p>YES, because I can speak freely, work independently, can make decisions on my own, be able to help other people, and give kindness in a way I can. That makes me a powerful woman.</p>
<h3>How can we encourage more women to pursue their dreams?</h3>
<p>We can encourage them by helping them decide on what they want to do, assist or guide them in planning their goals and empower their skills for them to be confident and successful in achieving their dreams.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_20210915_093952.jpg" alt="Maria Rose Cadavona 2" class="wp-image-13659" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_20210915_093952.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_20210915_093952-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/03/IMG_20210915_093952-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Maria Rose with colleagues and the Saudi Arabian flag</figcaption></figure>
<h3>What is the most important message you want to send out to future generations of women?</h3>
<p>The message that I can give to the future generation of women is to be confident in everything you do as long as it is good and speak the truth confidently and with integrity. Do not fear judgment but rather listen to it in a positive way to help you grow and learn something from it.</p>
<h3>How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?</h3>
<p>It is very important for me that women should help to lift each other up so we can give strength to each other, help build confidence within us and if we stand side by side will be able to withstand and overcome challenges and that is what women empowerment is to me.</p>
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