The Dawoodi Bohras have always strived to empower female members by providing equal access to education and encouraging the pursuit of fulfilling careers. On
International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we showcase some of the talented Dawoodi Bohra women in the UK who work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Across the country, Dawoodi Bohra women are making significant contributions to the STEM world and are actively working to help the UN achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.
Amena Esmail, Quality Assurance Officer in Leicester
I am a Quality Assurance Officer for a Leicester-based pharmaceutical company. We manufacture special items for the NHS, contract manufacture sterile products such as injectables and also have our own licensed products. Currently there are two products on the market in the UK, EU, USA, Australia and Middle-East treating patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and sickle-cell anemia patients.
My Role as a Quality Assurance Officer is to ensure all documentation related to the manufacture and packaging of the licensed products is completed as per regulatory approvals therefore I am responsible for the release of products to the worldwide market.
Working in science, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, provides me with a chance to be part of a long chain of professionals that contribute to the health and well-being of patients around the globe. As a Dawoodi Bohra in this field, I aspire to uphold the values of working for the betterment of society through my work as a Quality Assurance Officer.
Zainab Dungarwalla, Chemistry Teacher in Croydon
Having graduated from King’s College London with a 2.1 honours, I went on to study Molecular Diagnostics in Nottingham. Since then, I have become a fully qualified chemistry teacher who strives to help my pupils fall in love with science, whilst achieving the best results. I take immense pride in my students’ progress in not only their high pass rates, but their confidence in the subject. Learning should be fun and interactive at all educational levels and is the foundation of my teaching ethos. Dawoodi Bohras across the globe value and prioritise education, and I am proud to be a Dawoodi Bohra teacher who teaches and inspires the next generation and helps to foster a love and passion for STEM subjects.
Akila Dungarwalla, Pharmacist in Croydon
I am a pharmacist and is currently working hard to dispense Pfizer vaccinations at my local Covid-19 vaccination centre. I am on-call for Covid-19 diagnoses and also provide patient consultation at a local surgery.I studied pharmaceuticals at Bradford University.
In my spare time, I run a small business baking and selling cakes.
Sarrah Husain, Supply Chain Professional in London
I am a supply chain professional with a Masters from Case Western Reserve University & IIT Chicago. I have spent the last 12 years working in supply chain management for companies like Amazon, United Biscuits & Dairy Crest. At present I work for Vodafone, predicting sales trends using statistical models. My models help the senior leadership team to make decisions on short-term business strategy. With my expertise on market trends, my advice is used in pricing & portfolio negotiations with big vendors like Samsung & Apple.
During Covid, predicting trends amongst so much uncertainty has been difficult but we have seen some interesting trends emerging in the market. The speed with which consumers have adapted from shopping on high streets to online has been amazing and luckily the tech industry has been the least impacted.
Tasneem Ebrahim, Biology Teacher in Birmingham
Firsty, I am a proud mum of three, with a BSc in Biology (University of Manchester) and an MSc in Teaching (University of Oxford). I am a biology specialist teaching secondary science to students in independent, grammar and state British schools for the past 9 years. I have also privately tutored adults and children in KS3, 4 and 5 science and biology.
I am very creative and enjoy using my skills for the betterment of the environment and helping others for example in upcycling projects and for charity fundraising.
Why I do it? Because the impact I have on my students extends far beyond the classroom. It gives me an opportunity to shape the next generation. I love to learn and my students teach me something new every day.
Mounira Ezzy, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist in Bradford
I work in the private sector in West Yorkshire. I also have my own established clinics in West Yorkshire. My job involves treating a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders such as spinal related problems, joint related disorders , post operative rehabilitation and sports injuries.
The best part of my job is hearing people say, “You helped me regain my movement and I feel so much better”.
Jamila Dahodwala, Optometrist in Bradford
I am a locum Optometrist residing in Bradford. My job involves testing eye health and prescribing glasses or Contact lenses accordingly.
The best part of my job is to hear people say “it feels like I have a fresh new set of eyes!”
Jumana Alihussain, Occupational Therapist, Bradford
I treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Helping patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
Dr.Fatema Munshi (Saherwala), Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Manchester
I am a gynaecologist and obstetrician currently settled in Manchester.
I completed my graduation in medical school in India, followed by my masters degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I have been awarded thirteen golds medals during my medical education. I have obtained GMC licence to practice after passing PLAB exams. I also passed MRCOG exams with flying colours.
I am currently pursuing my advanced skill modules in laparoscopic surgery in benign gynaecology and advanced labour ward practice.
I am also interested in medical education and am working on PG certification for the same.
I keep myself engaged with conferences and events that ensure continued professional development and I actively participate and present my work there.
I am very proud of being a Dawoodi Bohra and being a doctor and I see that my personal philosophy that my religion has given me, helps me to have a perfect professional life.
I am also a proud mother of a lovely daughter, Tahera and I aim to raise her with all the values that my parents taught me and shall strive to give her the best possible education.
Mariya Jamali, Medical Writer, Manchester
After graduating from the University of Manchester in 2016 with a first-class degree in Pharmacy, I quickly realised that despite my 5 years of training, my heart wasn’t fulfilled by this career choice. I had a wealth of knowledge on the pharmacology of drugs and the treatment of various medical conditions, but I didn’t feel like I was working to my full potential. After taking some time out for myself in 2019, I found an industry that was able to combine my passion for health and writing together – Medical Communications (we call it MedComms, for short!)
Currently, I work as a Medical Writer for a global MedComms agency. Every day is completely different, juggling multiple projects, conflicting deadlines, and last-minute requests from our clients in the pharmaceutical industry. Essentially, my role is to utilise the latest developments in pharmaceutical research to create different written materials for our target audience – whether that be writing scientific papers that are published in medical journals, creating educational training modules for doctors on the newest treatments available in their field, or writing lay summaries of clinical trials so that patients are well-informed, without get overwhelmed by medical jargon.
One of the things I enjoy most about being a female in science is breaking down complex scientific information and using it to tell a story – all in the knowledge that this is contributing to the development of life-saving treatments.
Brilliant Achievements and Marvelous Contribution to the Society in General.
Well Done Ladies. Very Proud of You All!
Thank you for lovely wishes.
Go go go! What wouldn’t I give to hear all about the wonderful work you do!
Really very proud of you all
Excellent as you all are contributing to the society, we need many more participants to contribute to the world and I am sure example of your brilliance, hardworking women will encourage them.
Thank you for lovely wishes.
Commendable work done by all the ladies which will truly encourage others and leave an everlasting imprint on the society . We are proud of all of you…
Incredible and not surprising at all, Women power all the way.
My Almighty provide strength and conviction to these and many more servants of humanity.
Thank you for lovely wishes.
Thank you for your encouragement.
These testimonials showcase huge talent and excellent work ethic, and highlight the fact that women are brilliant in science roles!! So proud to know some of you and hear more about the contributions you make. Fantastic!
So proud of you my dear Dr. Fatema. We are glad to know you and have you as our family. I remember how sincere and hardworking woman you are. You were an example for our daughters. Loved to see you getting feature on Dawoodi Bohra website. Keep touching the sky. Loads of love to you and Tahera.
So proud of you my dear Dr. Fatema. We are glad to know you and have you as our family. I remember how sincere and hardworking woman you are. You were an example for our daughters. Loved to see you getting feature on Dawoodi Bohra website. Keep touching the sky. Loads of love to you and Tahera.