19 women awarded by Sheikh Mubarak Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah

KUWAIT: The Arab Woman Awards held its sixth annual ceremony recently at Sheraton Kuwait luxury collection hotel under the patronage of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Salem Al Sabah. The awards were presented by Harper's Bazaar Al-Arabiya and were used to support the Hayatt Breast Cancer Association.

The ceremony honored 19 inspiring Arab women who were chosen to win in the award's various categories in recognition of their outstanding contributions across fields including business, education, medicine, and literature. Amongst the winners were Mona K Al-Daas who was acknowledged for her role as General Manager in the governments statistical bureau, Noor Boodai, founder and CEO at Dars, a start-up company working on advancing education in the Arab world and Mariam Alraghim who was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for her services to nursing with an accomplished career spanning across 35 years.

Arab Woman Awards founder and Managing Director of ITP Media Group, Sue Holt, said: "Everyone has such busy lives now that we often forget to stop and reflect on how much progress has been made so far. The awards are our chance to do just that and to take a moment to celebrate individuals who are really driving change and achieving great success in their respective fields."

The winners were selected by an independent board of judges who this year was honorary chair, Sheikh Mubarak Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Kuwait Undersecretary of State, along with Professor Moudhi Al-Humoud, previous Kuwait Minister of Education; leading fashion designer and founder of Sirdab6, Sheikha Souad J A Al-Sabah, and Dr Labiba Temmim, co-founder of the Arab Woman Awards Kuwait and Managing Director of Hayatt Breast Cancer Association.

Mozah Rashed Al-Sheredah, winner of the Media category, commented: "I considered myself very lucky when I was selected to be an Arab Women Award winner this year. I dedicate this award to all listeners and readers who have listened and enjoyed my stories through Kuwait radio. I am thankful to my family and friends and everyone who worked with me in swalf mozah."

Arab Women Awards Sheikh Mubarak Fahed Al-Salem Al-Sabah, honorary chair and head of judges, said: "Our Arab Women Awards winners made us proud to be Kuwaitis with their relentless support, achievements, and efforts to make our beloved country an outstanding nation."

The awards were held as a private dinner at the Sheraton Kuwait Luxury Collection Hotel, with over 180 guests in attendance including the judging board, winners, their families, and Hayatt breast cancer survivors. Attendees were treated to music from Dubai-based vocalist Leanna Kerry who flew over especially for the evening and an inspirational speech from Rasha Al-Akhras. Partners of the event were Roche and Co, The Flower Room, Views Dentsu, Tanagra, the Sheraton Kuwait and Hello! magazine.