Maha Adel Abdalrahman Khalil: A story of resilience and determination
Maha Adel Abdalrahman Khalil, an Online Volunteer at the age of 35, brought her expertise as a Media Monitoring Specialist to UN Women in her home country, Egypt. Despite facing challenges due to her bilateral hearing impairment, Maha's dedication and commitment to her work shone brightly.
In her role, Maha meticulously reviewed public information about sensitive issues such as sexual violence against girls and women, as well as women's economic empowerment. Drawing from her previous experience as a visiting professional at the International Criminal Work, where she conducted open-source research, Maha found herself well-equipped to tackle the responsibilities of her Online Volunteer position at UN Women.
For Maha, online volunteering was not just an opportunity to contribute to a cause she deeply cared about but also a means to accumulate valuable work experience, particularly for individuals with disabilities who often encounter barriers in traditional employment settings. Despite facing hurdles in entering the labor market, Maha saw online volunteering as a pathway to showcase her skills and expertise.
Throughout her six-month assignment with UN Women-Egypt Office, Maha dedicated 10 hours per week to her role as a Media Monitoring Specialist. Despite the virtual nature of her work, Maha's impact was palpable as she delved into the intricacies of media monitoring, striving to shed light on issues affecting vulnerable populations.
Navigating her bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment, Maha relied on advanced hearing aid technology, such as Phonak, to communicate effectively. She believes that individuals with disabilities should not feel ashamed of their conditions but rather embrace their rights to reasonable accommodation and open communication with employers. Through her own experiences, Maha learned the importance of advocating for one's needs and finding innovative solutions to overcome challenges in the workplace.
For Maha, the most meaningful aspect of her online volunteering experience was the opportunity to contribute her expertise to important causes while also paving the way for greater inclusivity and accessibility in the workforce.
Her story serves as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of online volunteering to create positive change in the lives of both volunteers and the communities they serve.
This article was produced with the kind support of Vibhu Sharma, UN Volunteer Communications Specialist for Disability Inclusion. For more information on volunteering opportunities, please click on how to become a volunteer.
