Since joining Girls Who Print, I’ve always envisioned my main role as supporting our fellow women in Printing and Packaging. My focus has been on mentorship, particularly in areas of leadership, professional presence, and navigating the challenges of such male-dominated fields. It’s about achieving success both professionally and personally.
I believe that support in these areas is crucial. Unlike technical skills, which can be acquired through training and experience, leadership and professional presence are often developed through trial and error. This is where the importance of mentorship comes in—learning from women who have walked the same path.
This inspired me to write this New Year’s article, focusing on these key areas. It’s not only a message for women working in these industries, but also a personal reminder for myself to count my blessings and stay resilient, especially as I navigate through my health challenges.
It’s no secret that the Printing and Packaging Industries are predominantly male, which can make it challenging for women to succeed. This is a global issue, but it’s even more pronounced in the Middle East due to the prevailing social culture.
My career path as a woman in the packaging industry in Egypt has been a bumpy road full of challenges. However, these challenges have been empowering, fueling my determination and making the successes even more rewarding.
With that in mind, I’d like to share my resolutions for 2025, along with core values and lessons I’ve learned over the years:
1. Never Stop Being Eager to Develop
The Printing and Packaging industries are highly technical. Always feed your passion for learning, even if your role isn’t technical. Understanding the technicalities will keep you highly positioned and respected.
2. Keep Yourself Up-to-Date
These industries are fast-paced and technologically advancing rapidly. Stay updated by following industry publications, attending conferences, connecting with professionals, and learning about developments in different regions.
3. Setting Boundaries Doesn’t Mean You Aren’t Friendly
This is a tough skill to master. Sometimes, I struggle with saying “No” and feel guilty, thinking it means I’m not cooperative. But that’s not true. Setting boundaries is crucial for staying organized, productive, and maintaining your own pace. Stay loyal to your boundaries and don’t feel guilty about it.
4. Planning, Organization, Evaluation
Never start a task without a plan. Always plan, organize, and schedule your time. Regularly evaluate your progress to stay on track and make necessary adjustments.
5. Never Belittle Your Work
Every milestone, every person you meet, and every project you work on counts towards your success and self-fulfillment. Build your presence with integrity and credibility, as these are what truly matter.
6. Keep Moving Forward
Moving forward doesn’t mean letting life’s challenges break you. It means continuing despite difficulties, fighting until obstacles are overcome, and not letting external circumstances stop you. If you fail, find another way to achieve your dreams. Life’s hardships should not deter you; they should motivate you to rise again.
Here’s how to keep moving forward:
- Change your perspective on hardships.
- Use your experiences to grow stronger.
- Face problems head-on instead of evading them.
- Practice patience and move at your own pace.
- Keep your goals clear in your mind.
- Avoid regrets; instead, embrace acceptance and gratitude for the challenges you face.
- Own your responsibilities and learn from your mistakes; they are your greatest teachers.
In conclusion, stay strong, inspired, and passionate. Make 2025 your best year ever. You deserve to shine like a star!
Fairouz Galal is a passionate advocate for the printing and packaging industries. With over 20 years of experience in International Trade and a focused expertise in the Packaging sector for the last 11 years, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her current role as an Export Advisor for the Printing & Packaging sector at USAID TRADE Egypt.
Fairouz is an active member of Girls Who Print, where she mentors and supports women in these male-dominated fields. She has shared her insights as a panelist at the Pacprocess Conference organized by CEEBA and served as a jury committee member for the Industrial Innovation Award competition for the printing and packaging industries (InnoAward). Her efforts are particularly dedicated to the development of these industries in the MEA Region, where she continues to drive innovation and growth.
Fairouz’s career is marked by her unwavering commitment to empowering women in the industry and her passion for fostering sustainable growth and development in the printing and packaging sectors. Learn more about Fairouz Galal and connect with her on LinkedIn.
