The first edition of the Woman of the Year Awards 2024 culminated in a dazzling ceremony, where the community’s movers and shakers from diverse backgrounds were recognised for their accomplishments.
The event was staged by Red House Marketing, which publishes Woman This Month and Bahrain This Month, at The Art Hotel and Resort in Amwaj.
A total of 19 winners were announced, including 18 recipients across diverse award segments, selected from among 50 finalists, shortlisted after deliberation by a review committee, and one lifetime achievement award, as reported in the GDN yesterday.
Pioneering Bahraini artist and philanthropist Safia Kanoo was the recipient of the lifetime achievement award. She was absent during the ceremony and her award was received by a representative.
Chief Guest and internationally acclaimed journalist Baria Alamuddin graced the event, which was attended by around 500 supporters, including diplomats and other dignitaries, who gathered to express their support for women in Bahrain.
Also present at the ceremony were the award’s review committee members, which included Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society president and co-founder Ahlam Janahi, Bahrain Entrepreneurship Organisation chairwoman Feryal Nass, Beyond Borders Consulting founder and managing director Hala Sulaiman, Royal University for Women president Riyad Hamzah and FIA Global chief executive and co-founder Seema Prem.
The event also featured high-energy performances, musical acts, fun installations such as the Woman This Month’ photo booth, where guests could click a picture to replicate the magazine’s front cover featuring them, dinner and a raffle.
Speaking at the ceremony, Red House Marketing publisher and chairman George Middleton praised the pivotal role of His Majesty King Hamad in encouraging and empowering women in the country through various initiatives and platforms.
He highlighted the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women as one of the most significant milestones and commended the efforts of the council, headed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty, in promoting women’s rights and ensuring their participation across diverse sectors.
“The council served as an inspirational factor in our decision to create this awards programme, celebrating the progression and advancement of women in Bahrain across various sectors,” Mr Middleton said in his address.
Launched in March, Woman of the Year Awards 2024 initially received 410 nominations from members of the public, 51 per cent of which were Bahraini nationals. It also received close to 12,600 votes.
Winners were announced in 18 award segments under five main categories – Artistic and Creative, Business, Financial and Service, Engineering and Technical, Health, Hospitality, Education and Philanthropy, and Lifestyle and Media.
Autism advocate Dr Fatema Marhoon, who bagged the award in the health segment, said she would use the achievement to continue championing the rights of individuals on the spectrum.
“This is the happiest, proudest moment of my life,” she said.
“I feel like all my hard work has paid off. I owe this award to a great cause – advocating for and raising awareness about autism. Neurodiversity does exist and must be acknowledged. Each individual on the spectrum deserves to have quality of life, good healthcare and education,” Dr Marhoon said.
Popular social media personality Dana Zubari, who won the award in the media segment, also shared her excitement.
“I feel like a lot of what I do with social media, with educating people, using my platform has really paid off tonight,” she said.
In the business segment, Pooran Al Ansari, who owns four schools in Bahrain and has 12 years’ experience in education, was voted the winner. According to her, a successful entrepreneur must have confidence and passion and be willing to put in the hard work.
“I wasn’t expecting this award and I would like to thank God for this achievement. I also truly appreciate the support that I’ve received from my family and friends, and my colleagues,” Ms Al Ansari noted.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
Top stories for today:
National Day celebrations will sparkle with fireworks!
Proposal to restrict expats from switching jobs backed
Festive joy begins with Christmas tree lighting
&uuid=(email))