As counselor, Jody Ballard offers advice to people in relationship management, family therapy, child care and more. Sana Bagersh, on the other hand, is Tempo’s managing editor and supporter of women’s initiatives (she’s also chair of AmCham’s Women in Business Committee). The two are leading an exciting initiative that combines the spirit of the UAE with women’s empowerment. They share their vision…
Tempo: The website Jodyballard.com tells a lot about your personal life. Aside from (and I quote from the website) “excelling most particularly in trouble making,” are there any other interesting trivia that you could share to us?
Jody: I have learned over the years and through the inevitable changing and rearranging of our lives that fear is a deterrent to not only seeking happiness, but also to taking those risks which enhance our lives and allow us to follow our passions. I tend to take the road less traveled, the different, unusual road. Sometime people see this as ‘troublesome’ or difficult.
Tempo: As a “global nomad”, how do you find life here in Abu Dhabi or the UAE in general?
Jody: When I came to Abu Dhabi, more than four years ago, it was as if I had entered a new and wonderful section of the library. Traveling to new places imparts new knowledge us if we have our eyes, minds and hearts open. I came with a desire to learn as much as I could about the culture, heritage, religion and values. I am always honoured to be allowed glimpses into the lives of people from different countries.
Tempo: Any particular insight you want to share with us?
Jody: I have lived in multiple countries and continue to learn how people are all the same. We all want the same things in life. These might be sought in varied ways, seen through a different prism of culture and traditions but at the heart of every person, we seek connection and meaningful work.
Tempo: This next question might sound like it’s for a Ms. Universe pageant but I’ll ask it anyway since your event is intended for women: what do you see as the essence of a woman?
Jody: Estrogen!! Two XX chromosomes!! Most women seek out connection and their lives are enhanced by being with other women. Stereotypes abound, so I could tell you women are more feeling, understanding, weaker of the sexes etc… but I can say each woman is unique (as is every man).
The indispensable quality of a woman is her ability to give birth. Economic, biological, psychological, spiritual, political and social perspective all determine the differences. The answer to this question is generational and also embedded in traditions. The nature, core or heart of a woman is influenced by genetics and environment. The traditions and culture within the UAE encourages women to be a strong leader in or outside of the home.
Women are feminine, beautiful and take good care of their appearance; however, this does not mean they are not strong, capable, and very intelligent. We can be both feminine and great leaders. Women can be nurturing mothers and also clever strong negotiator in multi-million dollar businesses. Women can be beautiful and feminine and the most determined person on a multi-national board. Women can be emotional and also logical, inspired scientists. Women can be tender and loving and also fierce fighter pilots. The essence of a woman is her choice and has no boundaries.
Tempo: Tell us about the Women’s Heritage Walk…
Jody: In 2011, months after arriving in the UAE, I watched Adrian Hayes cross the Al Maqtaa Bridge with two traveling companions on camel. They had completed a 3,000 kilometer trek in the footsteps of Wilfred Thesiger. I was impressed and in awe. I spoke about this to your managing editor, Sana Bagersh, and she was enthralled, and agreed to be my partner on this.
Tempo: Why choose the path from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi? Is it something of significance?
The visual of the Adrian Hayes event made me think about all the women who had traversed the arduous trek from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi twice yearly. Certainly some women were ill, with child or carrying children, cooking at the end of the evening and taking care of all the family needs. I began to imagine the strength and endurance required to move a family through the desert from one place to another and my respect for these women grew.
Tempo: How many people are you expecting for this event?
Jody: Forty four women; 22 Emirati and 22 Expatriates will complete the 140 kilometers from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi. Around the Al Maqtaa bridge we hope many additional women will join us with their daughters, mothers or even grandmothers to finish the last 16 K of the walk; then celebrate the strong persistent women of their past.
Tempo: What’s your message to the women who might wish to join your cause?
Jody: You still have several days to train. Let this walk propel you to a new level of health and wellness. Both groups of Emiriati and expatriates will learn at a visceral level how the culture and tradition of the UAE were borne out of the environment. The desert conditions dictated many daily behaviors and these developed into the traditions we see today. Because of the rapid change in lifestyle from desert to urban life, some of these traditions may seem odd or out of place until you place yourself in the location and under the same condition in which they were formed.
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The first time I met Jody I immediately felt her positive energy, and her irrepressible sense of adventure. She looked like a true maverick; and a bit of hippy as well 🙂 All my life I’ve always been enthralled by big ideas. I love the concept of doing something that hasn’t been done before, and something that has a deeper meaning. From a tradition perspective as well, as an Arab I know my forefathers rode camels in the desert, but I have no notion of what that’s like. I also knew of the annual migration of nomadic Arabs from harsher climes to more forgiving environments, and specifically the tradition of travel between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. When Jody and I first discussed the idea I thought it an amazing physical feat! It not only demonstrates the strength and endurance of Woman, but her capacity to push herself to the limit. The Women’s Walk makes me realize that nothing is impossible, and I hope others will also embrace the vision.
– Sana Bagersh, Managing Editor of Tempo
