MOTHERS/WORK February - May 2025

Dates: February 10, 2025 – May 23, 2025
Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Duration: 90 minutes
Location: Kutubna Cultural Center, Madina Avenues 17, Nadd Al Hamar, Dubai
Registration Fee: 199 AED for all sessions
Children of all ages are welcome

The MOTHERS/WORK program supports women who want to enter the workforce for the first time or who want to return to the workforce after a break to parent small children. The program is divided into three parts:

1) Exploration and discovery: In this stage, participants reflect on the kinds of work they are interested in, for example whether it is part-time, full-time, or freelance. They brainstorm pathways to start/re-start careers and consider possible paths forward. They identify existing skills and areas where they may need to develop their abilities.

2) Job application preparation: This stage includes working on, revising, and polishing resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. It includes preparing for interviews and taking practice interviews. 

3) Hands-on training: After deciding on a career trajectory to pursue, creating a strong application package, and beginning to apply for jobs, participants have the opportunity to take part in hands-on training at Kutubna Cultural Center in order to have references and current work experience.

The MOTHERS/WORK program at Kutubna aims to create community around the often difficult and isolating experience of seeking employment after a gap. It provides participants with the perspective of employers as they review applications.

Participants are welcome to bring their children to these sessions. Children can play in the center's play area if they are old enough to play unsupervised, and/or will be given activities to keep them occupied as they sit next to their mothers during each session. 

The program is led by Shatha Almutawa, who has over 20 years of experience working in academia, publishing, non-profits, and retail. She left her position as a professor in Washington, DC, after the birth of her daughter and founded Kutubna Cultural Center in Dubai. She served on hiring committees as a professor, interviewing other professors for teaching positions and hiring research assistants, and is now in charge of all hiring decisions at Kutubna.

Testimonial from a past participant:

“From the moment I stepped into Kutubna, I felt at ease; the center is so beautifully and thoughtfully designed. Whether you are visiting the latest art exhibits, or perusing the bookstore for a good read, or looking for ample room to write, you can’t help but get comfortable. The space is especially welcoming to mothers looking to work or socialize, something Dr. Shatha has always emphasized; there’s a cozy and well-equipped room for changing diapers and nursing, as well as a play area for kids and a bi-weekly story time. During the first week of the Mothers/Work program, my assignment was to analyze my career to highlight what I liked/disliked and what my priorities would be going forward, such as working from home etc. It gave me the opportunity to think about continuing in the same field or starting a new career path. This guidance was important for me to visualize my ideal work situation in the future, something I could not accomplish on my own at home. Once I narrowed down my interest, Dr. Shatha helped me formulate my next steps. She encouraged me to sharpen my existing skills and develop new ones related to my chosen field. I did this by trying out sample courses to see if they were the right fit for me. Dr. Shatha also encouraged me to reconnect with my professional network and reach out to new contacts in the industry. During my research, I was also asked to work on my resume and cover letter to tailor it to my dream job application. This approach helped me reflect on how my past experiences made me qualified for my next role. We also worked on how I presented myself on LinkedIn and how to brand myself for the job that I want. Finally, the program ended with a practice interview with a Kutubna representative who gave me unbiased feedback on my communication and clarity of thought. The four-week assignments kept me engaged, helping me mentally prepare to enter the workforce. It was the jumpstart I needed for my career and I am forever grateful to have had this opportunity. The effect was transformative and I feel more empowered as a mother.”

Note about the schedule: Ramadan begins after the sixth session of this program. During Ramadan the schedule will be adjusted to accommodate each participant's needs. After Ramadan the hands-on training phase begins, and participants set their schedules in consultation with the program leader. 

Fellowships are available for those who cannot afford the registration fee. If you are interested in applying for the fellowship you can do so by emailing motherswork@kutubna.ae with one paragraph about your interest in the program along with your phone number and email address.