Saudi Women embrace feminism on their own terms by Rob Wagner
“Perhaps one of the most significant developments emerging from the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions is the growing Arab women’s rights movement that has spread to the anti-government demonstrations in Bahrain and Yemen. Absent, however, from the chorus of women’s voices demanding equity in the workplace, freedom to travel and a role in government are Saudis, who have done little to join their Arab sisters to create a feminist movement. In fact, no such organized movement exists in Saudi Arabia. “I don’t see signs of a feminist movement,” says Isobel Coleman, a senior fellow... Read MoreGCC Women’s Games by Stephanie Dahle
“It could be easy to dismiss an event like this as mere competition, but these games are more important than that. Of course, it was a great training run for athletes who aim to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London. But it also came as a stark reminder that amid protests and civil unrest in the region, these women were honoring their countries, their beliefs and themselves with their hard work and perseverance within their sport.” Source: Forbes.com
Read MoreShamsa Noor Ali Rashid
Background: ∞ Previous National Committee Member for Agha Khan Foundation ∞ Previous President of Q-Image Corporation ∞ Trustee on the Board of Beloit College Education: BA: Economics & International Relations – Beloit College MBA: Marketing & Finance- University of Chicago CEO of Forsa, Shamsa Noor Ali Rashid is a true powerhouse. She has a long-standing record of leadership in multi-million, Fortune 500 companies, and also finds time to give back to the community, as a board member on various committees. Forsa, an investment fund for female investors and...
Read MoreSalma Mohammed Al Balushi
As the first Emirati female to become a pilot, Salma Al Balushi sends a message to Arab women that they can dare to dream. “She said: “It was such an honour to be awarded with the rank of First Officer. I can only hope my accomplishment encourages many of my Emirati sisters and brothers to push the boundaries and reach their goals.” As Ethihad leads the way for other airlines, Salma Al Balushi paves the way for women in the gulf who hope to do what no other Arab woman has done before. Her story is a perfect example of the possibilities drive and perseverance have to...
Read MoreMariam Belhaf
Mariam Belhaf, a local Omani businesswoman, sells products made from Frankincense. Although she comes from a wealthy background, she wants to succeed by her own individual efforts, without anyone else’s financial support. “I want to prove that a woman can do everything. She can make success by herself, she can prove herself by her own business,” she says in the CNN feature below. CNN: Omani’s entrepreneurs mean business ...
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