How MENA's Women Leaders Are Reshaping the Global Digital Landscape
WOMEN IN TECH ® Global
World's leading Organization for Women in Tech. On a mission to empower 5 million women and girls in tech by 2030
The Women in Tech® MENA Awards ceremony, held on October 27, 2024, has highlighted an essential chapter in the rise of female leadership within the technology sector across the MENA region. Hosted at the prestigious Belgian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, this landmark event brought together innovators, leaders, and visionaries from across MENA to celebrate and support gender inclusion in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Under the leadership and gracious hospitality of H.E. Pascal H. Grégoire, Belgium’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the awards were presented at Belgium House 🇧🇪🇸🇦
Impact on Regional Innovation
According to Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech Global, the integration of women's leadership in technology is proving instrumental in driving both business success and social impact. This observation is particularly significant given the region's rapid technological advancement and economic diversification efforts.
Saudi Arabia's Technology Transformation
Maya Ayoub, Country Director for Women in Tech Saudi Arabia, highlighted how the awards align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, emphasizing the nation's commitment to innovation and women's empowerment. The kingdom's emergence as a global leader in tech-driven innovation provides a compelling case study for regional transformation.
Educational and Career Implications
The awards' diverse categories, from lifetime achievement to aspiring teen recognition, create a comprehensive framework for career advancement. This structured approach to recognition helps establish clear pathways for young women entering the technology sector, providing visible role models and achievable milestones.
Global Integration and Future Prospects
The MENA Awards' integration into the broader Women in Tech® Global Awards framework, culminating in the Global Finals in Paris, demonstrates the international recognition of regional achievements. This global platform significantly enhances visibility and networking opportunities for MENA women in technology.
Special shoutout to our partners Foodics Christo van Wyk Amazon ALT, Advanced Labs for Technologies.
Groundbreaking Achievements
🏆 Lifetime Achievement Award: Secretary General Deemah AlYahya, Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)
🏆 Global Leadership Women in Tech® Award: Dr. Khulood Almani🇸🇦 د.خلود المانع , CEO & Founder, HKB Tech
🏆 Tech Diplomacy Award: Dr. Manahel Thabet, Special Envoy for Science and Technology
🏆 Aspiring Teen Award: Nada Al Darak, Design Engineer, Team Shaheen, F1 in Schools
🏆 Best Ally Award: Marwa Hammad, Head of Global Gender Strategy, Schneider Electric Foundation
🏆 Most Impactful Initiative Award: Majd Mashharawi, Founder & CEO, SunBox
🏆 Most Disruptive Award Powered by Amazon: Professor Selwa A. F. Al-Hazzaa, MD, FRCS, MMM, Founder & CEO SDM
🏆 Woman in Web3 Award: Sofia Lkhlef, Founder & CEO Neia Solutions W.L.L
🏆 Greentech Start-up Award: Sarah El Battouty, Founder ECOnsult
A big thank you to our special guests Dr Basma AlBuhairan, Lucy Chow, Tam Pham, to our Country Directors who travelled al the way to Riyadh: Zineb Bensaid, Safia Agueni, Doris Martin.The evening was even more special with the beautiful voice of the talented AnneSophie Hoffmann that graced us with her music 🎙️
Looking Ahead
With the upcoming Global Finals scheduled for November 14th at the French National Assembly in Paris, under the patronage of President Emmanuel Macron, the MENA region's tech leaders are poised to showcase their innovations on a global stage. This representation marks a significant step forward in recognizing the region's technological advancement and women's leadership.
Amazing 👏🌟🤩