Women in the Middle East are a constant topic of discussion whether it be within feminist groups or cultural studies. But very few are often acknowledged for their contribution towards the betterment of society. Today, we’re shedding some much-deserved light on five inspiring women that are a continual inspiration.
Salma Hareb, CEO of Jafza
Jebel Ali Free Zone also known by its shortened name Jafza accounts for more than 50 percent of the emirate’s total sports, and sustains the livelihood of over 1390,000 people. Hareb, a former lab technologist, started working at the group as a planner before climbing the corporate ladder. In 2005 she was appointed the CEO of the free zone and its parent company, Economic Zones World, becoming the first woman in the Middle East to lead a free zone. In 2014, her exemplary approach to business, marketing and strategy was rewarded with the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award.
Zainab Salbi, CEO of Women for Women International
The founder and former CEO of US-based Women for Women International has dedicated her life to serving female survivors of war. The Iraqi powerhouse would go on to help 370,000 women in eight areas of conflict through her organisation, which would give them access to social opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. Salbi’s interest in the preservation and protection of human life stems from her childhood in Baghdad under the reign of dictator Saddam Hussein. In 1995, President Clinton honoured Salbi as one of the 21st Century’s heroes for her tireless humanitarian work in Bosnia.
Hayat Sindi, Medical Scientist
Breaking convention through perseverance and formidable strength of character, Saudi Arabian born Sindi continues to inspire female entrepreneurs through her work. At a young age Hayat convinced her family to let her travel unaccompanied to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education, despite being unable to speak English. This would later lead to her internationally acclaimed accolades in the field of diagnostics, biotechnology and invention. But the most illustrious moment in Hayat’s career would have to be her appointment as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the sciences. She became the first female Saudi scientist to earn the title.
Maali Alasousi, Tamkeen for Development Organisation
A champion of the women’s movement in the Middle East, Kuwaiti born Alasousi joined the Red Cross aged 15. Her passion to contribute towards the positive growth of society was elevated through a trip to Yemen, during which time she witnessed deplorable conditions. She later embarked on a life altering decision, which involved moving to the country and would lead her to found the Tamkeen for Development Organisation: A body aimed at supporting women and youth who live below the poverty line through the implementation of creative projects in health, economics and education. Maali continues to empower and sustain multiple social projects, a passion she attributes to her independent nature.
Hayv Kahraman, Artist
Born in Baghdad, Kahraman has been the subject of controversy due to the nature of her paintings, which comment on issues pertaining to gender, honour killings and war in her home country. Through a unique style that involves references to Arabic calligraphy, art nouveau and Grecian iconography, Kahraman’s artistry was recognised through her exhibitions in the USA and later in Sweden, which would prove to be her first stepping-stone towards her residency in San Francisco. She continues to explore the significance of women and war through works such as How Iraqi Are You?
