Eman Samir Ali

Egypt_ On the tranquil banks of the Nile, where the sounds of boats mix with the smells of wet wood and moving water, sits Reham Hassan, fourteen years old, from Assiut Governorate in Upper Egypt, holding the helm of a traditional wooden sailboat known as the “felucca” with confidence beyond her age.

Reham Hassan, a student preparing to enter the third year of middle school, began learning to steer the felucca when she was in the fifth grade of primary school from her father, the owner of the felucca. She says that her love for the profession and her desire to work were the main motives behind her going down to the Nile and practicing this activity herself.

Although her father was not enthuciastic at first about the idea of her working, her determination and passion for the profession eventually made him agree. About three months ago, she started working independently. She begins her school day like any student, then in the evening she goes to work, spending an hour or two each day steering the felucca, whether in summer or winter. She affirms that she is keen to balance study and work, and that academic achievement is her top priority.

Reham Hassan uses the felucca to transport passengers between the eastern bank and Al-Wasta Island, in addition to short recreational trips. Desptie her young age, she has managed to gain the trust of passengers who use her services to cross the river.

Regarding society’s reactions, she noted that she faced questions and comments from some people about being a girl working as a boat captain, but she did not pay attention to those criticisms. “There is no shame in girls working in any profession.” She pointed out that her goal is not only to gain experience but also to help her parents and ease the burden on the family, which includes three daughters and one son.

She explained that her mother played the biggest role in encouraging her, constantly urging her to rely on herself and offering advice that helped her gain confidence and take responsibility at an early age.

Despite her connection this profession and her mastery of it, Reham Hassan does not intend to make it a permanent career. She dreams of becoming a doctor, affirming that she continues to strive in her studies to achieve this goal, considering that steering the felucca is a talent and hobby she enjoys alongside her other responsibilities.

The felucca is a traditional small sailboat that has been used for centuries on the Nile, especially in Egypt and Sudan. It is characterized by one or two triangular sails and relies primarily on the wind for movement, making it a quiet and simple means of transport.