Episode 3 of the Women’s Stories Program features Samira Al-Kilani, a Jordanian author, entrepreneur, and media figure whose work centers on home economics, environmental awareness, and practical life skills. In this episode, she shares her journey from a young housewife to a knowledge advocate, highlighting how personal experience, continuous learning, and resilience shaped her mission to educate families and empower women in everyday life.

Samira Al-Kilani’s Journey and Philosophy

Samira Al-Kilani, a mother of six with a background in dental laboratory technology, began her path into home economics after a serious incident early in her marriage. A mistake involving mixing household chemicals caused her to faint and required hospitalization. This experience prompted her to deeply study safe, natural alternatives for daily household needs. Over time, through classes, reading, and hands-on experimentation, she developed a wide range of practical knowledge.

Her first book, I Have an Idea, compiles more than 2,500 tested ideas focused on environmentally friendly and accessible solutions for everyday challenges. The book covers diverse topics including kitchen management, sewing, plant care, pet care, car maintenance, and the creation of natural soaps and cleaning products. Each idea reflects her belief that home economics is directly connected to health, environmental responsibility, and overall well-being.

Following the book’s success, Al-Kilani gained opportunities in media, including a segment on a prominent morning program in the Arab world. She continues to work in local television, using these platforms to share knowledge and raise awareness.

Central to her philosophy is the idea that women are “the foundation of the whole house,” and that education equips them to manage and protect their households effectively. She emphasizes the importance of being observant and resourceful, particularly regarding hazards such as mold, gas leaks, and chemical exposure. At the same time, she challenges traditional expectations by encouraging women to develop practical skills often overlooked, such as basic car maintenance. She argues that learning these skills enhances independence without diminishing femininity.

Al-Kilani’s commitment to knowledge extends beyond the home. She participated in several trivia competitions, including Jeopardy-style programs, where she valued the learning process more than winning. This reflects her broader mindset: continuous education is essential in a rapidly changing world.

Her entrepreneurial efforts further demonstrate this approach. While living in Sudan, she discovered shea butter and later introduced it to Jordan, founding her company, Shea Secret. The company not only produces natural products but also creates economic opportunities for women by employing them as representatives who earn a share of profits. This model fosters community support and aligns with her belief that empowering women economically strengthens society as a whole.

Ultimately, Al-Kilani views home economics as a tool for personal and psychological development. She believes that when individuals feel capable of managing their daily lives, they gain confidence and adaptability. Through her work, she aims to motivate especially young people to continue learning, improve themselves, and bridge generational gaps by sharing knowledge across ages.

Through her work, Al-Kilani finds that adapting to change is not optional. Those who resist learning risk being left behind, while those who stay curious and proactive can build stronger, more sustainable lives. She encourages both men and women to develop themselves, learn practice skills, and feel confident in their capability to manage day-to-day responsibilities. 

Episode Link: الاقتصاد المنزلي… وعيٌ جديد لحياة أكثر توازنًا | موقع عمان نت

This program is prepared and presented by Ataf Al-Rodan.

This podcast segment was prepared by our colleague Hadeel Al-Saabi.

The Women’s Series Program is funded by IMS.