Noor: engineering and motherhood… A non-stop learning journey

October 13, 2025

As an engineer working at the Kirkuk Health Directorate, Noor never imagined that she would someday be a trainee in a specialized program that would dramatically change her career. Her participation in a training titled "Medical Equipment Maintenance Management," organized under the supervision of the UNDP in Kirkuk Governorate, became the turning point that sparked both her professional growth and personal development.

"From the first moment, we were captivated by the training content," Noor recalls. The course offered practical information and techniques designed to enhance her skills. The trainer, Eng. Nada used an interactive and practical approach to simplify complex technical concepts, making them clear and easy to understand. Despite the highly specialized nature of medical equipment maintenance, Nada’s ability to break down difficult topics and share real-life examples made a significant difference. She also tracked each trainee’s progress closely, allowing us to acquire new skills and quickly develop plans to apply what we learned in our own workplaces within just a few days.

Noor describes this experience: "This training was like a fresh burst of energy and knowledge for me. It combined the importance of vital information, engaging presentation methods, and a motivating style that turned it from just a training session into a new beginning—an inspiring boost for my development in this essential field."

The Power of Family Support

Balancing her professional ambitions with her responsibilities as a mother of two was one of Noor’s biggest challenges, but she was not alone in this journey. Her husband’s unwavering support played a crucial role in her success.

"My husband is the main pillar of support for my career," Noor says gratefully. "His encouragement is limitless. He always motivates me to participate in training courses and creates a supportive family environment for me to learn and grow. This confidence helps me balance my responsibilities without feeling guilty." This strong family support was the key to Noor’s ability to focus on her professional development while maintaining her family life.

Applying Lessons in Practice

Noor wasted no time applying her new knowledge. She returned to her work at the Health Directorate armed with clear plans and innovative ideas. She began addressing issues with the medical device maintenance committees more systematically solving problems more efficiently and effectively than before.

Her professional growth also positively impacted her personal life. The better she became at resolving work-related challenges, the less time she needed for troubleshooting, which left her more quality moments with her children and husband.

Today, Noor affirms: "I make sure to dedicate time for self-development alongside caring for my family. Finding this balance brings me contentment and positive energy to continue my journey with confidence."

For Noor, this wasn't just a training course—it was an entire journey of learning and growth, proving that engineering, motherhood, and professional development can go hand in hand, creating a fulfilling and balanced life.

About the Training

Noor’s story exemplifies the profound impact of capacity-building programs supported by UNDP. Since their launch in 2021, over 23,992 government employees—including 5,523 women—have benefited across vital sectors such as health, electricity, roads and bridges, municipalities, education, and agriculture. By strengthening the skills of Iraqi personnel, these initiatives have bolstered Iraq’s institutions and empowered women and men alike to lead, participate, and contribute effectively to service delivery.