In the summer of 2014, Saint Mary’s hosted twenty young women from the Middle East/North Africa region for the Study of United States Institute (SUSI) on Global Women’s Leadership. The capstone project of the Institute required that each country group develop a feminist activism project to be implemented in their home country. The winning group, composed of four Jordanians, presented an idea for a female taxi company to be implemented in Amman, Jordan. They named it SheCab.
SheCab’s mission is to provide safe, public transportation for women in Amman, Jordan. This is a service much needed in Amman, as women oftentimes speak of harassment and feeling generally unsafe in taxis driven by men. Further, SheCab is part of a larger global movement for female-only transportation. Mexico, Afghanistan, India, and even New York City have already implemented systems of female only public transportation.
Upon returning from SUSI to Jordan in August, the SheCab team immediately took action to further develop and implement their project. Already, SheCab has been featured in several major Jordanian newspapers, talk shows, and radio stations. Additionally, SheCab was recently named a finalist in a competition to receive an Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) grant from the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
What inspired you to participate in the SUSI program?
Emily: I have always had an interest in international women’s issues, so when my Intro to Gender and Women’s Studies professor told my class about SUSI I was eager to apply. Through my own research, I was able to find information about past SUSI programs on the CWIL website. This research, in addition to discussion with some of the Saint Mary’s faculty that run SUSI, really helped me to see that living, learning, and traveling with women from across the globe was exactly the way I wanted to spend my summer.
Eleanor: The main aspect of SUSI that first attracted me to the program was the intercultural experience. I have always had a passion for learning about new cultures and meeting people from around the globe, so the SUSI program was a natural fit. Meeting incredible women from the Middle East and North Africa has had a lasting impact on the way I view the world and my place in it.
What was your favorite part about the experience?
Emily: My favorite part of SUSI was living, learning, and traveling with the international women (ok, so I know that’s basically the entire program). From shopping in Forever 21 and taking them on their first trip to Target, to dance parties in Opus and sing-alongs on the bus, it’s really difficult to pinpoint one favorite experience. One thing that still stands out to me, however, was getting to celebrate the Fourth of July with them at the US Department of State. We dined on American classics, socialized and networked with foreign dignities and ambassadors, and watched the fireworks over the National Mall from the 8th floor terrace. It was truly a night to remember.
Eleanor: I definitely agree with everything Emily mentioned above. Another favorite part of this entire experience for me is the chance to see these women take what they have learned and apply it to their life at home. I believe I can confidently say that most of the students participating in the course left with a heightened sense of confidence and determination. That, in itself, is beautiful.
As student participants of SUSI 2014, Eleanor Jones (Saint Mary’s College 2016) and Emily Beaudoin (University of Notre Dame 2017) have had the incredible opportunity to watch SheCab’s growth over the past couple months. Most recently, Eleanor and Emily traveled to Amman with Saint Mary’s faculty over Spring Break to examine the progress SheCab has made.
During this trip, it became obvious that the most significant way in which we can contribute to the growth and success of SheCab is to provide them with additional funds so that they may launch their business quickly and effectively. SheCab is in need of funds to purchase cars, market their business, and continue to grow.
They have started a GoFundMe page to help fundraise, check it out and donate here!
What was the biggest cultural difference you noticed throughout your travels?
Emily: A significant cultural difference I noticed during SUSI, and while visiting Jordan, was timeliness. To Americans, being five minutes early is being on time. Through my travels, I have found that this is not the case in other parts of the world. For example, when we were scheduled to leave the hotel promptly at 5:00pm, some participants would board the bus as late as 5:30. This was not rude, or a blatant disregard for the time our leaders had set, it was a cultural difference that we simply had to learn to adapt to.
Eleanor: Besides the fact that most Americans don’t use a bidet, there weren’t any serious, “cultural-dividing” cultural differences. I think the most important thing about cultural differences is to remember not to use them to stereotype. Entering the SUSI program, whether as an American or someone from the Middle East/North African regions of the world, it’s impossible not to start off with preconceived notions about how the other cultures “are.” It’s important to challenge those preconceived ideas and create new interpretations of new cultures as you experience them.
Can you tell us more about the girls who started SheCab?
Emily: Though all undergrads at universities in Jordan, the four Jordanian women who started SheCab come from a variety of backgrounds. Three of them study pharmacy and one studies finance. They all lived in or near by Amman, the capital of Jordan, where we stayed over spring break. These women are four of the most inspiring individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Despite having little or no experience with business, they have made incredible strides toward the launch of SheCab. Their passion and drive inspire me everyday.
Eleanor: They are so driven! I remember at the State Department, Rahmeh (one of the Jordanian women) introduced herself to every ambassador as the future Jordanian ambassador. They loved it, and they remembered her even months later.
What is some advice you have for anyone considering participating in this program?
Emily: My first piece of advice would be to DO IT! It doesn’t matter if you’re a Global Studies major, nursing major, or business major. In fact, a diversity of academic backgrounds is part of what makes the SUSI experience so special. CWIL is still accepting applications for SMC student participants. Second, go into the Institute with an open mind. Know that the women will have preconceived notions about the United States and may be quick to make assumptions about you as an American. For me, this was one of the most frustrating things about SUSI. Keep in mind that these assumptions go both ways and try not to make any snap judgments about women who may at first glance appear very different from you. Finally, keep in contact with everyone that you meet. Not only do you get the chance to make lasting friendship with women from all over the world, you get to meet powerful women from all over the country, including several SMC alums!
Thanks Emily & Eleanor!