[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Saudi Women Shatter Stereotypes" ids="113909,113910,113911,113912"] By Mariam Nihal Saudi women may not be allowed to sit behind the wheel but they steer the course of their lives and if there is one thing you cannot take away from them, it is their drive. The drive to achieve and live life on their own terms. Haya Sawan, a 28-year-old fitness coach from Saudi Arabia is an example of the new generation of Saudi women who are changing the course of things in the country. A mother of two, she coaches women much older and younger in her bootcamp classes in Jeddah. "Growing up fitness has always been a big part of my life," Sawan told Saudi Gazette. Contrary to opposing views that suggest Saudi women are deprived of and banned from physical activity, the young generation is all about and devoted to fitness. "The group that is more interested in making the change is probably the younger generation," she said. In fact the new trends in the Kingdom, stem from health and fitness, where many Saudi women are either training to become certified instructors or have opened businesses that support a healthy lifestyle. Not only does Sawan, break all stereotypes about Saudi women, she also admits her support came from her husband who saw it through and made this dream a reality. "It is after I had my first baby that I was approached by my trainer at the time who told me she saw how passionate I was about fitness and that I should consider being a fitness trainer. That to me was an eye opener; I truly realized that this might be possible. But the one person who encouraged me to start and who has been my one true supporter is my husband. He believed I was able to do it and I am thankful. My bootcamp classes were his idea and we were able to make it come to life!" Discussing the changes in the status quo, she said the image of Saudi women has changed internationally. "I truly respect the conservative society we live in. I believe I should always represent the county well. However, the image of Saudi women has changed in the present day. A Saudi woman in my opinion can be a wife, a mother and a businesswoman. She is capable of anything, there might be some restrictions but it will only get better with time." Social media plays a vital role in the lives of Saudi youth and helps facilitate health initiatives and businesses in the Kingdom. "Snapchat and Instagram are very powerful tools that help convey the message. It was my way to reach people. I created my Instagram account when I was pregnant with my second baby to use it as a blog to post all my prenatal workouts. I wanted it to be a way to motivate myself and keep myself on track but turned out I was motivating others. However, about four months ago I decided to make my Snapchat public, and it turned out to be great. I feel like I can reach people easily. I can motivate them, educate them and help them all through my snaps!" Sawan said the feedback has been great and she has garnered immense support through social media. "I have to admit I am very grateful that all feedback I get is positive. I am very thankful to everyone who has complemented or applauded me for my work and that's what motivates me and keeps me going." Sawan's mission is to spread more awareness regarding health and fitness in the Kingdom. She holds regular classes for women aged between 15-40 in Jeddah. You can connect with her through social media. Instagram @pregnant_and_fit Snapchat @haya_sawan
