Humiliating.
Not a woman’s job.
Shame on the family.
Such comments were frequently directed at Tahani Al Shati and Yusra Mohammad Nmour when they started training as plumbers in Jordan, where women’s workforce participation is among the lowest in the world.
Al Shati recalls one day they spotted a leaking pipe on the street.
They pulled out their tools to fix it, despite being scolded by a passerby.
In a country where water is scarce, they knew saving that resource was more important.
Today, Al Shati and Nmour are part of hundreds of fully certified female plumbers in Jordan.
This unconventional career has changed their lives, providing confidence and new opportunities.
“My husband and kids are so proud.
My neighbors envy me now,” says Nmour.
The Wise Women Plumbers Cooperative, formed in 2014, has around 40 members, providing services in schools, mosques, and homes.
They offer a significant advantage as female plumbers can serve clients without violating cultural norms.
While challenges remain, the presence of women in plumbing is changing social norms.
With support from the Jordanian royal family and growing public awareness, these women are paving the way for future generations.
“We broke this shame culture … I believe we opened the door for many women,” says Al Shati.
The Bright Side