A Saudi woman's startup has so far repaired 49,000 electronic devices successfully for female customers. Mariam Al-Subaie said her dream was to serve her country with her knowledge and skills. "There is a big opportunity in the market. Many women who seek to repair their mobile phones and laptops fear to take them to repair shops run by men because they don't want to expose private documents and pictures of family members saved in the devices to strangers," said Al-Subaie. Al-Subaie said technology was her passion. "I graduated from Arts School but I had always been intrigued by the electronics. I was inspired by the German inventor Konrad Zuse who invented the world's first programmable computer in 1941," said Al-Subaie, who started her business to primarily serve women in society. She added it was important for her to thrive and prosper while sticking to Saudi traditions and customs. "Privacy is an important issue in Saudi society. I would like to tell all the women in Riyadh that they do not have to compromise their privacy while engaging in any trade. I receive 90 to 120 mobile phones each day. I also receive laptops and other devices to repair," said Al-Subaie. She added that she employs a team of women technicians and electrical engineers. "My team is my backbone. We all have the same vision and we want to serve our country by doing what we love. I encourage other women to do the same in my city or other cities of the Kingdom. As women, we need to stand up on our own feet," said Al-Subaie. She said her startup is only the beginning of her goals in life. "I aspire to become an inspiration for all the women in my society. I would like the younger generation of girls to know about me and decide to take steps to give back to their society," said Al-Subaie.
