FADWA ALHALAIQA

Dr Alhalaiqa is associate professor/dean of nursing faculty at Philadelphia University, Jordan. Her clinical work was developed in psychiatric-mental health field particularly in stress, gender-based violence and psycho-social health problems. Dr Alhalaiqa’s has more than 30 research papers that were published in high prestigious journals. She is an active person in community service through providing health education by workshops, seminar, TV, radio, newspaper and social media.

"Do Not Give Up!"

Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

Although my country is small in size, it is great in its effort and productivity. Jordan fights the COVID-19 with a huge effort which made the number of new cases and mortality low and increased the number of recovered people. I'm proud to be Jordanian.

I raised in a detached family, my mother worked to raise us. When I was a child I insisted to continue my studies regardless of what I would face. Although I got a distinction and fellowship in high school many barriers raised in front of me. Therefore, I studied at college which gave me money. Then I started to work as a nurse and during that I married at the age of 19 to get rid of family pressure. I made pursuing my studies as a condition for marriage. I worked and tried to collect money to follow my dream. Then I finished my bachelor degree having one body - working, studying and taking care of my child. When I graduated I got a reward from Her Highness Princess Muna because I graduated with distinction. During my master's degree, I had my second baby (working, studying and taking care of my family). I also graduated with distinction.

I got a fellowship from Philadelphia University to continue my PhD and finished it in 2013 in the UK. I lived in the UK with my family. As my husband didn't speak English he stayed at home. In order to provide my family with a good living condition I started to work in addition to studying, taking care of kids and husband (he changed too much he was as an overload on). My son has congenital deformity left ear deafness. I started his treatment journey during that time. All challenges (studying, working, taking care of kids and unemployed husband, sick kid, family needs, etc) made me a very strong person and I finished my PhD and returned to work in Philadelphia University in 2013 until now.

Q: What is your view of the Coronavirus crisis and the world as it is today? How do you define the concept of a better world especially given the hard lessons we have taken from this unprecedented crisis?

CoVid-19 is a natural unexpected disaster that attacks all over the world. As a result of this crisis, the routine life was stopped; we have to stay home as much as we can, keep social distance, and take safety precautions with many changes in our lifestyle. Many problems occurred associated with coronavirus, e.g. threat to safety and security, psychological and mental health problems (anxiety, fear of infection, fear of death, fear for the future, depression, violence, suicide. obsessive-compulsive behaviours and thoughts, etc), financial (unemployment, high cost of living expense, locked trading), social (isolation, violence, divorce). Coronavirus made all countries have the same suffering and needs. As a result of this, I think all countries need to cooperate and collaborate not only in finding vaccine or treatment for the virus but also to reduce its negative consequences on health, finance, trading, and communities. In this situation science diplomacy - which is the golden tool to overcome the current worldwide problems and to achieve sustainable development goals - must activate and work.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently and how do you think CoVid-19 will affect your country?

In Jordan -one of the low and middle-income countries - there is a financial challenge since already we have low income for most families. With CoVid-19 the unemployment rate has increased and as a result of that, the poverty, social, and psychological problems will be increased (e.g. crimes, suicide, drug abuse). Until now (Thank Allah) the number of new cases is under control, but if it will be increased we will face health problems (lack of resources and staff) which will lead to a health crisis.

Q: As a young individual what are a few of the hurdles that you had to overcome up until today?

• Financial (looking for fair sustainable income)

• security (having a home)

• gender discrimination (being female in a high position)

• hosting for my research idea and project

• initiate science diplomacy seed in my country

• empowering women

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

A mentor's role is important because enables me to know my strong points and to direct all negative circumstances surrounded me as to be a pushing power to achieve positive results and goals.

A mentor is:

• psychological supporter

• thinking director (guide)

• business orientation

• empowering

• gender discrimination fighter

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?

Do not give up, even in the desert the roses can grow. Just trust in your Gods and your capabilities and work.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

The Noor Alhussien Foundations.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are made towards gender equality?

Gender discrimination. Women still need to be empowered.

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that you love or you find interesting!

Always after the night darkness, the sun rises, do not give up and work hardly. If you want to change the community start with yourself, show what women can do, respect them, and give without regret. Once upon a time all these will return to you in a positive way.

Q: Share with us a project that you would like to make happen for your country or a cause that you are passionate about?

Since the mental health problems are increasing, I m working with my students on a mobile application that could assess and detect some mental health problems (e.g. anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder). Also can provide interventions and referral to sever cases. This application will be great since in Jordan we have few centres to provide mental health care, which do not cover all geographical areas and even the cost of treatment is too expensive.