The women’s majlis: Working out the tricks of the trade

A few months ago, I was on a family holiday in ­Valencia. ­Beneath bright skies, with sunshine offsetting a mild chill, I set out looking for a public washroom. After five minutes walking, I came across a pink-­bordered kiosk. The owner of the kiosk was an old, charming lady with a charismatic personality. Even though her job was to clean the toilet, she welcomed her guests with a beaming smile. When I approached her, she gently asked me to pay and use the toilet. I was sceptical about the cleanliness, so I went back and asked the lady for some tissues. She sensed my thoughts, so got up and brought some hygiene products, then began to sweep the area. She assured me that she cleaned the area after every customer and there was nothing to worry about. Before I left, I gave her €5 (Dh20). She asked me: “What is this for?” “Thank you for your nice gesture,” I replied.

I noticed she was far happier to hear a word of appreciation than receiving money. People such as her are inspiring to me, and I still vividly remember her fair skin and braided white hair. She left a positive impression on me. It doesn’t matter what sort of job one does, whether cleaning toilets, washing cars or collecting rubbish. All is needed in any job is commitment and less expectation from others. A job is a job, no matter how high or low it may be categorised by people. She was a woman of pride and honour.

Unfortunately, too often it’s the opposite in the UAE, and some people use their job to gain sympathy and extra money.

One day, as I was about to head out of the car park in Al Wahda Mall, I encountered a rubbish collector. The man pretended to clean my surroundings when there was no trace of dirt in any corner. He greeted me and continued with his act. I knew immediately that he was expecting something. His demeanour was strange, and I began to worry, because there was no one around. I walked past him hastily, and made up my mind not to give him anything (because the worth of every man lies in his attainment). I don’t like it when a healthy and fit man uses tricks to gain money. I have more appreciation and respect for those who aim to make their monthly wage without resorting to this.

No doubt, many of these workers hail from poor villages, and may have debts; they shoulder the responsibility of their entire family, and hope to return home without any hardship or debts. It’s a good deed to share with others, but using poignant facial expressions isn’t the right approach to make extra money. It’s unfair to hardworking people in similar jobs.

In 1975, Sheikh Zayed banned begging. Today, it still seems to exists, but whatever the motive, I believe people should look for the most needy, and give accordingly.

Asmaa Al Hameli is a features writer for The National.

If you have a good story to tell or an interesting issue to debate, contact Melinda Healy on [e-mail].