The Al Jalila Foundation, a philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, continues its efforts to support and empower women recovering from cancer through the “Cancer Survivors Employment Program,” launched earlier this year in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Dubai and several leading global organizations.
In the first session of the program, nine women successfully re-entered their professional lives after completing their treatment. The initiative, managed by the Hope Council of the Al Jalila Foundation, aims to empower female cancer survivors of various types through a comprehensive system of paid training, mentorship, and practical experience over six months, helping them regain self-confidence and gradually reintegrate into the workforce.
Supportive Environment
Janet Njoroge, who has lived in the country for 21 years, shared her experience after recovering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She noted that the program opened a new door for her to return to her professional life, allowing her to work as an IT coordinator, which restored her confidence and motivated her to continue growing.
On the other hand, Hanan Al Razem, a Jordanian mother of two, emphasized that the practical training within the program helped her overcome challenges following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023. She stated that she received a role as a personal assistant, and the support provided during the training was crucial in preparing her to return to work.
Lekha Jaisankar, who has resided in the country for over four decades, recounted her experience after recovering from kidney cancer in 2022, expressing that the program offered her a training opportunity that enabled her to enhance her professional skills and regain her self-confidence.
Maria Teresa, a Filipino resident in Dubai for 26 years, described the positive transformation the program has brought to her life after years of career interruption, stating, “Returning to work marked a new starting point in my professional journey, helping me regain my skills and sense of belonging in a real work environment.”
Flexibility and Balance
Mandy Deswani, 63, explained that her participation in the program after recovering from breast cancer provided her with a flexible job opportunity that suited her lifestyle. She mentioned that being part of a supportive and understanding team helped her achieve a balance between her professional and family life, adding, “The new role allowed me to maintain my professional activity while spending more time with my grandchildren.”
Manisha Singh shared her experience with a rare illness affecting both her breast and lungs, which forced her to stop working, affirming that the program provided her with a genuine opportunity to start anew after her recovery.
Sustainable Empowerment
The program is implemented through the Hope Council of the Al Jalila Foundation, which focuses on supporting women who have overcome cancer. Participants are selected from the council members based on their willingness and readiness to engage in a new professional journey post-treatment.
It receives support from a range of leading organizations in both government and private sectors, including:
General Electric Aerospace, Medtronic, Cigna Healthcare, FedEx, Nas Neuron, and MENA Legal. These organizations have contributed to providing training and employment opportunities for participants in the inaugural session.
The Al Jalila Foundation emphasized that the program centers on empowering survivors through effective communication, expanding opportunities, and fostering a supportive work culture that considers psychological and physical aspects. It noted that the assessment of the program’s impact relies on participants’ experiences and testimonials, reflecting improvements in quality of life and self-confidence following their return to work.