Saida Abad, first woman in Africa and Arab world to drive train

Saida Abad, 34, has become Morocco's first woman to drive a train in Morocco.

Abad, a mother to a young boy, underwent intensive technical training by the Moroccan railway office before she drove for the first time last month the train linking Kenitra to Casablanca International Airport.

Some of her first passengers said they noticed no difference in train driving and did not object to being driven by a woman. They hailed the courage and perseverance of Abad, the first woman in the Arab world and Africa to accede to such a male-dominated job.

Moroccan women have made major breakthroughs in all fields contributing to the social and economic development of the country. They are members of the Moroccan parliament and are assuming top governmental offices. They are present in all social and economic sectors. They are serving in the army, police and there are even some women who are plane or ship captains.