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17 July 2023
In recent years, the Middle East has witnessed a remarkable rise in female empowerment particularly in leadership roles, where women are carving their path to success in various sectors. Female leaders are emerging as champions of change, redefining gender norms, and proving their mettle in traditionally male-dominated industries such as technology, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Saudi Arabia has witnessed the rise of inspirational women leaders who have made significant contributions to various fields, breaking barriers, and becoming sources of inspiration for future generations. The Misk Foundation, for instance, highlights ten such women who have made remarkable contributions in various sectors, ranging from technology and education to entrepreneurship and healthcare. These women have defied societal norms and pushed boundaries, demonstrating the immense potential of female leadership in the kingdom.
Additionally, Vogue Magazine has celebrated the achievements of trailblazing Saudi women, highlighting their accomplishments in various domains including fashion, art, and entrepreneurship. The resilience and determination displayed by these women in the face of societal challenges have propelled them to the forefront of their respective industries.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has experienced historic moments with the appointment of women to leadership positions across different sectors. Business Chief magazine has recognized the ground-breaking achievements of these women by featuring the top ten female leadership firsts in the country. From the first female commercial airline pilot to the first female CEO of a major bank, these pioneers have shattered gender stereotypes and opened doors for countless aspiring female leaders.
The success stories of Saudi women leaders offer valuable lessons for aspiring female leaders in the Middle East and beyond. These leaders have faced unique challenges and overcome societal barriers, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. They have emphasized the importance of education, self-belief, and continuous learning in achieving success. Additionally, their stories highlight the significance of mentorship, support networks, and creating an environment that fosters gender quality and inclusivity. Here, we highlight the stories of some of the most noteworthy female leaders:
Lojain Omran, a renowned TV host and social media personality, has carved a remarkable path in the world of media, earning the title of "one of the most influential media personalities in the Middle East." Throughout her long and successful career in media, Lojain Omran has hosted several well-known TV programs on different channels. Her captivating presence on television has made her a beloved figure among viewers, with her ability to connect with diverse audiences and deliver engaging content.
Moreover, Lojain Omran's influence extends to the realm of new media. With years of experience, she has harnessed the power of social media to contribute extensively to awareness and humanitarian causes. Her digital reach and impact have earned her a place as one of the most influential personalities on Instagram and Snapchat, where she shares not only her work and daily experiences but also inspiring quotes and words that spark interactive, educative, and cultural discussions with her followers.
Additionally, Lojain Omran's commitment to promoting tolerance and humanitarian values is evident in her role as an Ambassador of the Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Tolerance. This appointment speaks to her dedication to fostering a more tolerant and inclusive society, utilizing her influence to advocate for positive change.
Her dedication and significant contributions to the Arab media landscape have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her achievements, she was honoured with the Arab Women's Award 2018 by the Arab Women's Foundation in London, a prestigious accolade that celebrates outstanding women who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud became the first female Saudi ambassador when she was appointed as the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States. Her appointment signifies a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's journey towards gender equality and demonstrates the country's commitment to promoting women in diplomatic leadership roles.
Sarah Al-Suhaimi's journey in finance has marked significant milestones and showcases the rise of Emirati women in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Her appointment as the first female chair of the Capital Market Authority (CMA) in Saudi Arabia reflects the nation's commitment to gender diversity and women's participation in shaping the legal framework. Additionally, as the first woman to chair the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) and the first woman to be appointed as CEO of a major financial institution in Saudi Arabia, Sarah has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations. Her remarkable achievements underscore the significance of perseverance, resilience, and seizing opportunities.
Hanadi Zakaria Al-Hindi made history as the first Saudi woman to earn a commercial pilot's license. Her achievement shattered gender barriers in the aviation industry, inspiring other Saudi women to pursue careers in this male-dominated field.
Hanadi Zakaria Al-Hindi's historic achievement as the first Saudi woman to earn a commercial pilot's license is truly ground-breaking. In a society where gender roles and norms have traditionally limited opportunities for women, her accomplishment has shattered deeply ingrained gender barriers in the aviation industry.
For decades, the aviation sector has been predominantly male-dominated, with few women represented in pilot roles. Cultural norms and societal expectations often discouraged Saudi women from pursuing careers in this field, considering it to be traditionally male territory. However, Hanadi Zakaria Al-Hindi's determination, resilience, and passion for flying challenged these stereotypes and defied societal limitations.
Her success serves as a powerful example of breaking through the barriers that have restricted Saudi women from pursuing careers that were once considered off-limits to them. Hanadi's journey inspires other Saudi women to dream big and pursue their ambitions, irrespective of societal norms and expectations. She has become a beacon of hope, proving that with determination, talent, and perseverance, women can achieve remarkable feats in any profession.
Dr. Ghada Al-Mutairi's appointment as the first female dean of a co-ed university in Saudi Arabia sets a powerful example for aspiring female academic leaders in several ways:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a driving force in promoting gender equality and empowering women in leadership positions. The country boasts a plethora of powerful and inspiring Emirati women who have made significant strides in their respective fields. Publications such as Mille World and Vogue Arabia have recognized remarkable women for their achievements and contributions to society. Their stories highlight the diversity of talent and the immense potential that exists within Emirati women.
The UAE's entrepreneurial landscape has witnessed the rise of visionary Emirati women who have established successful businesses and startups. These women have overcome cultural barriers and gender biases to make their mark in the business world. Here, we showcase the inspiring journeys of ten Emirati women to follow on LinkedIn. Their remarkable achievements and pivotal roles in shaping the UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem have earned them well-deserved recognition on Arabian Business:
Fatima Al Kaabi's entrepreneurial journey serves as a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. As the founder of an e-commerce platform that supports local Emirati artisans and entrepreneurs, Fatima has created a platform for their success and helped preserve Emirati heritage. Her success teaches us that entrepreneurial ventures can empower individuals and uplift communities, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and development of the nation.
Alia Al Shamsi , a fashion designer, has made her mark on the fashion industry by blending traditional Emirati elements with contemporary designs. Her label, Alia Bastaki, celebrates Emirati culture and heritage, captivating audiences both locally and internationally. Alia's journey teaches us the power of embracing cultural identity and incorporating it into creative endeavors.
Najla Al Midfa, CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), has been instrumental in fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UAE. Her efforts have empowered countless young Emiratis to pursue their business ideas, driving economic growth and innovation. Najla's journey showcases the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed.
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the UAE's former Minister of State for Tolerance, has made significant contributions to fostering social change and promoting tolerance within the region. As the first Emirati woman to hold a cabinet position, Sheikha Lubna has paved the way for gender equality and played a pivotal role in driving the nation's development agenda. Her journey teaches us the importance of advocating for social progress and leveraging positions of influence to bring about positive change.
Aisha Al-Mansoori's story epitomizes the strength and resilience of female leaders in the Middle East. Aisha, who pursued a career in engineering, faced numerous challenges due to societal expectations and gender bias. However, through her determination, she was able to excel in her field. Aisha's success not only shattered stereotypes but also served as an inspiration for countless other women to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi, the first female Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) in the UAE, has been a driving force in advancing healthcare and education. Her leadership and advocacy have contributed to significant advancements in these sectors, ensuring access and quality for all citizens. Dr. Amal's journey underscores the importance of inclusive policies and the role of women in shaping critical sectors of society.
The empowerment of female leaders in the Middle East is a testament to the region's progress towards gender equality and inclusivity. Through the success stories of these remarkable women, as well as numerous other female leaders, in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, we witness the transformative impact of empowerment initiatives and educational programs like those offered by Acacia Learning Middle East.
Indeed, the empowerment of female leaders in the Middle East is a journey that holds promise and potential for the region. As the Middle East continues to foster an environment of inclusivity and equality, the journey towards empowering female leaders will pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.
By celebrating the successes and lessons learned from these remarkable women, we can inspire future generations and continue to break down barriers, creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
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