It takes a great deal of self - confidence and determination to break social taboos regarding women's roles in the community.
For 15 brave UAE national women who have joined the country's first Women's Firefighting Unit at Sharjah Civil Defence, the opportunity was too good to pass by.
Sharjah Civil Defence has welcomed their very first 15 female firefighters in 41 years who will take on roles usually reserved for men.
The group is believed to be a first in the UAE and the Middle East.
The new members told Gulf News that their passion to help others encouraged them to join the Civil Defence and they are hoping to inspire other young girls and women to break the stereotypes.