UN Women’s Susanne Mikhail Eldhagen On How Female Leaders From The Region Are Inspiring Others To Greater Success
With the Arab Woman Awards only days away, the Regional Director for the Arab States Harper’s Bazaar Arabia columnist discusses the importance of paying it forward in October’s column
We all instinctively understand the importance of having role models who inspire us to make our own mark in the world. In my life, I have been particularly inspired by women whose depth and versatility has translated into their every thought, act and manner. Women who are strong yet kind, decisive yet flexible, thoughtful yet good listeners. Someone who is determined and knows exactly where she is going, yet still pays close and careful attention to those around her and their requests, their wishes, their dreams. There is a deep beauty and distinct attractiveness to that sort of richness in a personality. For me, the inspiration comes from a number of remarkable women whom I’ve encountered throughout my life. But mainly and foremostly from my mother.
In this region I cover professionally, which is also a home to me, I’ve always been struck by the dynamism and tenacity of women across our countries. In many cases, women in the Arab States have pushed the limits for themselves, and in doing so, they have opened doors for other women to progress further. This month, it is my honour to be a member of the Board selecting the winners of the 2021 Arab Woman Awards (UAE edition) conducted by ITP Media Group and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. Together with my colleagues on the Board, I have had the great pleasure of learning about truly impressive women from the UAE, each of whom has made a significant contribution in her field. It has been striking to see the breadth of talent in the business, media, humanitarian, education, health and philanthropy arenas amongst others.
Not only are these women leaders and experts in their respective sector, they are also contributing concretely to the development and prosperity of their nation. Research repeatedly shows that the contribution and leadership of women are key drivers to achieving sustainable and equitable development for all; women and men. Not surprisingly, and probably consequently, all nations in our region have, in discussions with UN Women, singled out women’s higher education and labour force participation as key priorities for national and regional development.
This year, and in alignment with ITP and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s commitment to the UN Women Media Compact, the members of the Board have gone one step further. We are looking not only at how these women have, through their individual successes, progressed overall development in the United Arab Emirates, but also how their work has supported other women in particular. Reading through the Award nominations, I see a group of women propelling upwards, not only taking their entire country with them, but also advancing women’s visibility and engagement in public life.
Each of the nominees is worth celebrating in her own right. Their talents, innovations and expertise are invaluable for our societies to progress. And through their work, and their individual achievement, I sense personality of depth and sophisticated intricacy. Someone who is strong yet kind, decisive yet flexible, thoughtful yet a good listener. Someone who is determined and knows where she is going, yet still pays close and careful attention to those around her, to us. Our common aspirations, our dreams.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s October 2021 issue