UN Women’s Susanne Mikhail Eldhagen On Celebrating The Successes Of Arab Women Everywhere
Susanne Mikhail Eldhagen, UN Women Regional Director for the Arab States, and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia columnist, shares her pride in celebrating the Arab women leading the way in the betterment of our world and our future
I’m writing this month’s column after having had the immense pleasure of meeting a group of remarkable women recognised for their achievements at the 2021 Arab Women Awards, UAE Edition.
Their achievements have not only served their respective field, such as medicine, business, art, fashion, or finance, but rather benefitted the country as a whole. In other words, their achievements are directly linked to the overall economic prosperity and development of UAE.
Hearing what these women have achieved, and how their experience and expertise benefits women, men and societies, it is clear that the progress evidenced in their respective fields is a fundamental pillar of human development. And human development is in essence about movement in a constructive and positive direction – upwards and forwards. In many ways, it is about “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, which also is the very theme of the 2021 Expo in Dubai.
And UN Women is proud to partner with the Expo to bring stories of inspiration and dedication such as demonstrated by the winners of the Arab Women Awards 2021 to the Expo visitors. Indeed, the winner of the AWA 2021 Inspirational Woman of the Year Award, H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State and Managing Director for Dubai Expo, embodies this spirit of leadership and dedication to achieve success.
Caroline Faraj, Vice President of CNN Arabic and who was recognised for her achievements in the AWA 2021 Media category, is another incredible example of a woman from the Arab region succeeding at the highest levels, in what often continues to be a male-dominated industry and – more importantly – a male-dominated position due to its seniority.
In January, CNN Arabic will mark 20 years of sharing the stories of the region with the world. More than ever before, the Arab States region is demonstrating its rich diversity of stories to showcase the crucial role of women in shaping both our world and our future.
Speaking of the world stage, I am personally delighted by the appointment of Sima Sami Bahous as UN Women’s Executive Director. Sima was last month appointed to a four-year term by the UN Secretary-General, becoming one of very few UN chiefs from the Arab States region.
This speaks to the extraordinary strength of women from the Arab States, and the deep experiences and capabilities we hold. Sima Sami Bahous, for example, joins UN Women after serving as Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, and prior to that, in some of the highest senior leadership roles in the United Nations, the League of Arab States, and the Government of Jordan.
It is an important milestone for representation, of which all women, but especially those in the Arab States region, can be proud.