Latest news with #womenempowerment
Times of Oman
a day ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Speaker of Arab Parliament congratulates Shaikha Al Nowais on her election as UNWTO Secretary General
Cairo: Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, has congratulated Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais on her election as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for the term 2026-2029. This historic achievement marks her as the first woman from the region to assume this position since UNWTO's founding in 1975, representing another milestone that reinforces the UAE's leadership position on the global tourism map. In a statement issued on Saturday, Al Yamahi praised this major accomplishment, which embodies the exceptional successes achieved by Emirati women both regionally and internationally. He attributed these successes to the unlimited support and insightful vision of the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who gives great attention to empowering women and creating a supportive environment for them to play a central role in the UAE's comprehensive development across all sectors. He added that this achievement is also a reflection of the tireless efforts of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), in supporting and empowering Emirati women across all fields of work and leadership, enabling them to reach the highest regional and international positions. Al Yamahi emphasised that the election of Shaikha Al Nowais to this high-level international position highlights the UAE's prestigious position in the field of global tourism and its international leadership in the sector. It adds to the nation's honourable track record in various global forums. He stated that this achievement is a source of pride not only for the UAE but for all Arabs. It strengthens the presence of Arab women in global decision-making positions and proves the capability of Emirati professionals to lead international organisations with competence and distinction.
Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Moroccan women embroider ‘art with purpose'
SIDI RBAT, Morocco: In a small village on the coast of southern Morocco, women gather in a house to create collaborative works of textile art, and also earn a living. Several hunch over large canvasses, embroidering their latest piece at the women-only workshop, in the village of 400 people. Some of their works have been shown internationally. 'This project has changed my life,' said Hanane Ichbikili, a 28-year-old former nursing student turned project creative director. 'And yet I had never held an embroidery needle before,' she told AFP. Just 19 percent of Moroccan women hold steady jobs, according to official figures, and in rural areas they are particularly affected by poverty, unpaid labor and a lack of opportunity. An artist with roots in both Morocco and France has tried to make a difference. Margaux Derhy founded the workshop in 2022 in her father's native village of Sidi R'bat, around 70 kilometers (45 miles) south of Agadir, to fulfil her 'dream to make art with purpose.' The project uses textiles and old photographs to explore her family heritage before they left the country in the 1960s, turning sepia-toned portraits and scenes into large silk-and-linen canvases. The North African country was a protectorate of France before gaining its independence in 1956. The project is more than just personal for Derhy — it also provides local women in the small fishing village employment. 'I wanted to be engaged on the ground,' said Derhy, adding that she hired 10 local women to work full-time for a monthly salary exceeding Morocco's private-sector minimum wage of 3,045 dirhams ($330). The women's hands glide over frames that were once used by Paris's prestigious Maison Lesage, the world-famous embroidery house that has worked with some of the greatest names in fashion. The creative process is collaborative, with Derhy drawing an outline and the team then gathering to choose the threads and color palette for each section. A canvas can take up to five months to complete. The finished works, priced at up to $5,620, have been shown in exhibitions in Marrakech, Paris and Brussels. Future exhibits are planned for Casablanca's L'Atelier 21 and Tabari Artspace Gallery in Dubai. The workshop has also helped to challenge perceived ideas about women in the village. 'At first, some of the women had to hide to come because it was frowned upon,' said Khadija Ahuilat, 26, who oversees operations. She said some people thought the project 'was nonsense, and a woman should stay at home.' 'But we managed to change that. I'm very proud to have contributed to this change, even if on a small scale.' Her mother, Aicha Jout, 50, a widow who once gathered mussels and raised livestock to support her family, is now one of the embroiderers. 'It changes a lot for me to be here,' she said. 'I love the idea of embroidering on pictures, but also of passing on the craft to other women.' Jout learned to embroider at the age of 12, and has trained the rest of her mostly single or widowed colleagues. 'There aren't really a lot of job opportunities here, so when the chance came I didn't hesitate for a second,' said Haddia Nachit, 59, one of the workshop's most efficient embroiders. Her nickname among the women is 'TGV' — after France's high-speed train. Seated next to Nachit, Fadma Lachgar, also 59, said the work allowed her to help her family. 'Resuming embroidery at my age, after 20 years of stopping, is a blessing,' she said.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Moroccan women embroider 'art with purpose'
In a small village on the coast of southern Morocco, women gather in a house to create collaborative works of textile art, and also earn a living. Several hunch over large canvasses, embroidering their latest piece at the women-only workshop, in the village of 400 people. Some of their works have been shown internationally. "This project has changed my life," said Hanane Ichbikili, a 28-year-old former nursing student turned project creative director. "And yet I had never held an embroidery needle before," she told AFP. Just 19 percent of Moroccan women hold steady jobs, according to official figures, and in rural areas they are particularly affected by poverty, unpaid labour and a lack of opportunity. An artist with roots in both Morocco and France has tried to make a difference. Margaux Derhy founded the workshop in 2022 in her father's native village of Sidi R'bat, around 70 kilometres (45 miles) south of Agadir, to fulfil her "dream to make art with purpose". The project uses textiles and old photographs to explore her family heritage before they left the country in the 1960s, turning sepia-toned portraits and scenes into large silk-and-linen canvases. The North African country was a protectorate of France before gaining its independence in 1956. - Creative process - The project is more than just personal for Derhy -- it also provides local women in the small fishing village employment. "I wanted to be engaged on the ground," said Derhy, adding that she hired 10 local women to work full-time for a monthly salary exceeding Morocco's private-sector minimum wage of 3,045 dirhams ($330). The women's hands glide over frames that were once used by Paris's prestigious Maison Lesage, the world-famous embroidery house that has worked with some of the greatest names in fashion. The creative process is collaborative, with Derhy drawing an outline and the team then gathering to choose the threads and colour palette for each section. A canvas can take up to five months to complete. The finished works, priced at up to $5,620, have been shown in exhibitions in Marrakesh, Paris and Brussels. Future exhibits are planned for Casablanca's L'Atelier 21 and Tabari Artspace Gallery in Dubai. The workshop has also helped to challenge perceived ideas about women in the village. "At first, some of the women had to hide to come because it was frowned upon," said Khadija Ahuilat, 26, who oversees operations. - 'A blessing' - She said some people thought the project "was nonsense, and a woman should stay at home". "But we managed to change that. I'm very proud to have contributed to this change, even if on a small scale." Her mother, Aicha Jout, 50, a widow who once gathered mussels and raised livestock to support her family, is now one of the embroiderers. "It changes a lot for me to be here," she said. "I love the idea of embroidering on pictures, but also of passing on the craft to other women." Jout learned to embroider at the age of 12, and has trained the rest of her mostly single or widowed colleagues. "There aren't really a lot of job opportunities here, so when the chance came I didn't hesitate for a second," said Haddia Nachit, 59, one of the workshop's most efficient embroiders. Her nickname among the women is "TGV" -- after France's high-speed train. Seated next to Nachit, Fadma Lachgar, also 59, said the work allowed her to help her family. "Resuming embroidery at my age, after 20 years of stopping, is a blessing," she said. kao/anr/fka/bou/srm/sco
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How the glamorous YouTube guru who taught 20 million women how to spot a cheater missed her own husband's infidelity - and the truth will make you question YOUR relationship
Ask any teenage girl who they turn to for relationship advice and their answer will often be: Wizard Liz. Wizard Liz, real name Lize Dzjabrailova, is the 26-year-old social media phenomenon whose no-nonsense views on how women should approach relationships with men have seen her unfairly and wrongly dubbed the 'female Andrew Tate' – the notorious men's rights influencer.
News24
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Miss SA's Nompumelelo Maduna's bold and sexy style
Nompumelelo Maduna has proven herself more than just the Miss South Africa runner up. South Africa's first princess is regarded as a civil society activist passionate about women empowerment, youth upliftment and the environment, having previously won titles like Miss Earth 2021. The pageant princess is also a corporate babe and an avid runner, showing off all sides to her. Having just hit the milestone of turning 30, Nompumelelo's expressive personality is clearly seen through her personal style, one she describes as slightly conservative with a little bit of sexy flair. 'And bold is something that I always go for,' she tells TRUELOVE. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nompumelelo Sweli Maduna (@missmaduna) Whether it's expertly curated pageant photoshoots or a wholesome appearance, Nompumelelo experiments with daring sheer fabrics, tailored pieces and bold tones in her personal style. She dives into her fashion evolution and what influences her style. How would you describe your personal style? 'I think style has evolved and I think it's really what we make of it at the time. 'So, for me, I reference a lot of Devil Wears Prada. Ugh, I love Meryl Streep in that [movie]. If I can accentuate something simple with a bit of drama, then I do it. And it's also coupled by the presence of my humanity. The way I want to be perceived, the way I want to feel confident when I walk into a room. Especially in a corporate environment, I want to be that boss babe. The girl who's got it, focused, knows what's the next question, let's rock.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nompumelelo Sweli Maduna (@missmaduna) What colours do you love against your skin tone? 'I wore the colour just a few weeks ago when we were shooting and it's skin tone. I feel that it's a bit daring and different. Kim Kardashian made me comfortable with it. But, I don't know, I haven't really felt comfortable enough but there's something about neutrals lately that I've really loved. I'm actually thinking of doing my 30th celebration as a bohemian neutral colour party.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss South Africa (@official_misssa) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nompumelelo Sweli Maduna (@missmaduna) Who are some locals designers you love working with? 'So, I've worked with Rich Mnisi on one of the biggest platforms I've ever had in my life. Walking Richi Mnisi at a L'Oreal Paris fashion show in Cape Town. Yoh, I didn't think such things were real, so I'm really honoured that I got that exposure. And ja, I wouldn't be able to ask for any better. And I think Rich Mnisi is an evolving designer and has really gone outside of the borders of this country and represented not only himself but our talent. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nompumelelo Sweli Maduna (@missmaduna) 'And I think another person is MaXhosa. It's so great to see us tap into our culture and be creative with our own rooted natural culture, and that's so beautiful to see. I mean, I can't afford anything, I'll buy a pair of socks now and again!' When it comes to some of the official photoshoots that you do with Miss SA, are you involved in the styling at all? 'I miss Werner, I must say. Werner - very, very, very, Papa Bear. We call him Papa Bear, Werner Wessels (former Miss SA creative designer). And Werner would style and make you look like a bombshell. But I also really, really can't live out my mom. Yoh, my mom is really great at styling. And as well, the Miss South Africa Organisation, they've got a collective of beautiful garments and accessories. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nompumelelo Sweli Maduna (@missmaduna) 'What I've really loved about being here at the organisation is the freedom to operate and to really, really be yourself and if you want to have a bit of fun with something, you just execute and you ask and you just do it and that support has just been absolutely incredible. As well as my manager, I mean Stephanie [Brookes] sometimes styles me at these shoots and it's incredible to see a talent in someone, as well, come alive in a different space, so it's really been cool.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss South Africa (@official_misssa) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss South Africa (@official_misssa) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss South Africa (@official_misssa)
