The glimmering black carpet was the center of attention this past weekend as renowned celebrities and influential figures gathered in Riyadh to commemorate the accomplishments of Arab women at the Women of Worth Gala and Award launch.
During his speech, Ahmed Wagih, L'Oreal's Middle East General Manager of Consumer Products, emphasized the significance of women in society, often overlooked, and introduced the Women of Worth program with the slogan 'Because You're Worth It.'
The event marked the Middle East edition of the campaign's awards, recognizing outstanding mothers, daughters, and changemakers who have made a noteworthy impact within their communities. A panel of judges, including L'Oreal's Middle East spokesperson Aseel Omran, Adwa Al-Dakheel, and others, will carefully select four women nominated by the public. Each recipient will be awarded $10,000 to support their respective initiatives.
Speaking to Arab News, Omran stated, "It's also an award for empowering and supporting women in all fields. Today, not all women are on social media or in the spotlight, so we need initiatives like this that highlight creators making significant achievements behind the scenes."
Omran, an acclaimed singer and actress, has collaborated with renowned artists such as Jennifer Lopez and Jason Derulo. As a UNHCR ambassador, she actively contributes to major campaigns like the Winter Appeal and the Monsoon Appeal.
She added, "No one can deny that the spotlight is now on Arab women globally. Everyone is watching and eagerly awaiting our achievements, especially Saudi women, given all the changes that are happening. Thus, we need much more support."
During a panel discussion, Omran, together with Dr. Samira Elghamdi, Founding Member of the Family Protection Association, entrepreneur and author Adwa Al-Dakheel, sports marketeer Budreya Faisal, and Wagih, delved into breaking barriers, generational empowerment, and community building.
Al-Dakheel, emphasizing the era of opportunities and societal acceptance, stated, "Females are proving day in and day out that we don't need favors. We compete regardless of gender, and the timing of the market has coincidentally shed a spotlight on that."
A version of the gala was previously held at the Cannes Film Festival, attended by prominent women changemakers such as Eva Longoria, Heidi Klum, and Alessandra d'Ambrosio.
The Middle East edition of the event, hosted at Riyadh Boulevard's Music Mansion, witnessed the presence of notable personalities, including Emirati actress Mahira Abdelaziz, fitness trainer Zenah Kazim, Saudi actress Helda Yassin, influencer Karina Komil, and the dynamic travel couple, Pasu and Poo.
Influencer and luxury traveler Dr. Hasan Ghoneim expressed his pride in women worldwide, stating, "I'm so proud of all the women in the world. This century is your century... a woman can do anything now—the impossible is possible."
The Women of Worth Gala and Award served as a testament to the remarkable achievements of Arab women and their growing recognition on a global scale.