Category: Women / Girls

ALGERIA: Ahlam Mosteghanemi named Cultural Personality of the Year at SIBF 2024

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has named renowned Algerian author and novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi as the ‘Cultural Personality of the Year’ for the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) in recognition of her remarkable contribution to Arabic literature over five decades. Her novels have captivated readers across the Arab world, establishing her as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Arabic writing.

Ahlam Mosteghanemi is one of the most influential contemporary Arab authors, acclaimed for her ability to merge profound social commentary with pan-Arab themes. Her works critically explore the relationship between society and women while reflecting on pivotal historical events that have shaped modern Arab culture. The late Algerian President Ahmed Ben Bella famously described her as a ‘shining Algerian sun in Arabic literature,’ commending her dedication to the Arabic language and the nation’s rich history.

As part of SIBF’s annual programme, SBA selects a ‘Cultural Personality’ to showcase influential figures whose work has enriched both the Arab and global cultural landscapes, reflecting the authority’s commitment to honouring those who have made lasting contribution in fields such as literature, poetry, and philosophy. By highlighting these figures, SBA seeks to inspire future generations and reinforce the region’s cultural identity.

Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, emphasised that the annual selection of a cultural personality reflects the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. “His Highness believes that people are at the heart of every achievement, particularly in knowledge, culture, and thought. These are the domains where nations’ experiences are preserved, thanks to the literary and intellectual contributions of individuals whose works have been a staple in homes and libraries worldwide.”

In 2009, she published Nessyane.com and Their Hearts with Us and Their Bombs on Us, addressing the US invasion of Iraq, followed by Al Aswad Yalikou Biki in 2012. Her voice, marked by themes of freedom and authenticity, has deeply resonated with Arab readers.

He added: “Ahlam Mosteghanemi holds a unique place in Arabic literature. Her novels resonate with readers of all ages and intellectual backgrounds across the Arab world, a rare achievement for any author. By celebrating her journey and other remarkable literary experiences, we expand the horizons of Arabic literature, strengthen the relationship between societies and their creative leaders, and contribute to elevating the quality of published content.”

A thoughtful presence

Spanning more than five decades, Mosteghanemi’s literary career began with In the Harbour of Days (1971) and continues with her latest work, I Became You. Her celebrated trilogy – Zakirat Al Jasad (1993), Fawda el Hawas (1997), and Aber Sareer (2003) – remains a landmark in contemporary Arabic literature. In 2009, she published Nessyane.com and Their Hearts with Us and Their Bombs on Us, addressing the US invasion of Iraq, followed by Al Aswad Yalikou Biki in 2012. Her voice, marked by themes of freedom and authenticity, has deeply resonated with Arab readers.

Throughout her illustrious career, Mosteghanemi has earned numerous accolades, including the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature and the Best Arabic Writer award during the Beirut International Award Festival (BIAF). Arabian Business and Forbes have recognised her as one of the most influential Arab women in literature and culture.

Additionally, Mosteghanemi served as a UNESCO Ambassador for eight years and was awarded the 2015 Arab Woman of the Year Award in London under the patronage of the Mayor of London and Regent’s University. In 2009, she received the Beirut Shield.

Mosteghanemi earned her doctorate in sociology from the Sorbonne University in 1982 before moving to Lebanon in the early 1990s. There, she published Zakirat Al Jasad, a novel that significantly impacted the literary world. The book sold over three million copies and was awarded the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature in 1998. It is also recognised as one of the top 100 Arabic novels of the 20th century.

source/content: gulftoday.ae (headline edited)

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Ahlam Mosteghanemi poses for a photograph. File photo

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ALGERIA

ALGERIAN Kaylia Nemour Won 1st place in the 41st Arthur Gander Tournament, Chiasso, Switzerland

The Algerian Olympic gymnastics champion, Kaylia Nemour, won the first place in the 41st prestigious “Arthur Gander” tournament, held on Wednesday in Chiasso, Switzerland.

After her triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Kaylia Nemour repeated the feat with an exceptional performance, scoring a total of 41.350 points – an impressive score that demonstrates her level of preparation and talent.

She earned 14.900 points on the uneven bars, 13.750 points on the balance beam, and 12.700 points on the vault.

source/content: al24news.com (headline edited)

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ALGERIA

Awards of 7th El-Gouna Film Festival: Golden Star goes to Ghost Trail, on Syrian refugee in France

The 7th El-Gouna Film Festival ended with the awards announced during the closing ceremony on 1 November.

El-Gouna Golden Star award went to Ghost Trail, a thriller about a Syrian refugee in France. Check all awards below.

International competition

El-Gouna Golden Star award for best narrative film
Ghost Trail (France) by ​Jonathan Millet

The film follows Hamid, who “joins a secret group tracking Syrian regime leaders on the run. His mission takes him to France, pursuing his former torturer for a fateful confrontation,” reads the synopsis on IMDb.

El-Gouna Silver Star 
The Kingdom (France) by Julien Colonna

El-Gouna Bronze Star
Girls Will be Girls (India) by Shuchi Talati won the Fipresci Award.

Best actor
Adam Bessa for his performance in Ghost Trail (France) by ​Jonathan Millet

Best actress
Laura Weissmahr for her performance in Salve Maria (Spain) by Mar Coll

Best Arab narrative feature – shared award
– Thank You For Banking With Us! (Palestine) by Laila Abbas
– Who Do I Belong To (Tunisia) by Meryam Joobeur

Jury special mention
Actor Charles Peccia Galletto for his performance in My Everything by Anne-Sophie Bailly

Documentary competition

El-Gouna Golden Star
We Are Inside (Lebanon) by Farah Kassem

El-Gouna Silver Star
Soundtrack To A Coup d’Etat (Belgium) by Johan Grimonprez

El-Gouna Bronze Star
​A New Kind Of Wilderness (Norway) by Silje Evensmo Jacobsen

Best Arab documentary feature – shared award
– ​The Brink Of Dreams (Egypt) by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir
– My Memory Is Full Of Ghosts (Syria) by Anas Zawahri

Other awards

Fipresci award
Girls Will be Girls (India) by Shuchi Talati Cinema for Humanity award
Disorder (Lebanon) by Lucien Bourjeily, Bane Fakih, Wissam Charaf, and Areej Mahmoud. 

The NetPac award
We Are Inside (Lebanon) by Farah Kassem

El Gouna Green Star award
The Battle For Laikipia (Kenya) by Peter Murimi and Daphne Matziaraki 

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

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ARAB / EGYPT

PALESTINIAN & SOMALI -AMERICANS’ : Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar win re-election amid Gaza conflict and US foreign policy debate – November 2024

Democrats Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar have won re-election and continue their position in American politics after being the first two Muslim women to serve in the United States Congress.

Their victories come amid the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed more than 43,000 Palestinians with diplomatic and military support from Tel Aviv’s key ally, the United States.

Tlaib, who is also the only Palestinian-American woman in US Congress, defeated her Republican opponent on Tuesday for a fourth term as a representative for Michigan with support from the large Arab-American community in Dearborn.

The Associated Press called the race with just 18 percent of the votes counted. Tlaib secured 77 percent of the vote with her opponent receiving 19 percent.

In the days leading up to the election, Tlaib declined to endorse Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris for US President. She, however, urged Americans to go to the polls and vote.

Omar, a former refugee and Somali American, won for a third term in Minnesota. She faced Republican challenger Dalia al-Aqidi, an Iraqi-American journalist who describes herself as a “secular Muslim” and called Omar, who is a proponent of Palestinian rights, pro-Hamas.

The congresswoman won 76.4 percent of the vote compared to al-Aqidi’s 23.6 percent, according to the Associated Press, which called the race with 87 percent of the vote counted.

Both Tlaib and Omar have repeatedly spoken against Israel’s war on Gaza followed by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, the ensuing humanitarian crisis and the Biden administration’s stance on the conflict. The two have faced a slew of attacks from pro-Israel groups as well as fellow lawmakers for their remarks.

Tlaib has been a leading voice against America’s military aid to Israel and for the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. She was censured by the House last year over rhetoric she used following the Hamas attack

Meanwhile, Omar is a part of an informal group of lawmakers known as the “Squad,” which is made up of progressive members of Congress including Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, among others.

source/content: english/alarabiya.net (headline edited)

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U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) hold a news conference on August 19, 2019 in St. Paul, Minnesota. (AFP)

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AMERICAN / PALESTINIAN/ SOMALI

MOROCCO Adds Eight 8 Elements to Islamic World Heritage List

Morocco has a total of 54 registered intangible cultural heritage elements on the ISESCO list.

The Islamic Heritage Committee, part of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), has approved the inclusion of eight intangible cultural heritage elements on behalf of Morocco.

According to a statement by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the newly added elements encompass the artistry of crafting bead jewelry, the weaving of Figuig’s hayek and burnous, traditional tanning techniques, Mata’s equestrian art, Safi pottery, Attalbi, Aouad d’Ait Baamrane songs and dances, and the traditional Ssig game.

This recognition celebrates Morocco’s rich tradition of skilled craftsmanship in the creation of bead jewelry.

The hayek and bernous are traditional Moroccan garments worn by women. They are especially worn in the country’s oriental region, notably in Figuig.

The traditional tanning process in Morocco, known as “Dbagha,” describes the centuries-old art of tanning animal hides, which has been practiced since the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century.

Meanwhile, Mata’s equestrian art showcases a blend of horsemanship and cultural expression.

Also on the list is the pottery tradition of the Moroccan coastal city of Safi, known for its intricate and colorful pottery art.

ISESCO also recognized Aouad d’Ait Baamrane’s songs and dances, which bring to life the rhythm and melodies of Amazigh culture.

Meanwhile, the traditional Ssig game, which is widely popular in Morocco’s southern regions, is a key part of Morocco’s culture that has endured through time.

With this latest inclusion that took place in the ISESCO committee’s 11th meeting in Rabat, Morocco now leads Muslim countries. The North African country boasts a total of 54 registered intangible cultural heritage elements on the ISESCO list.

During the meeting, the Committee also elected a new executive board for a four-year term, with Saudi Arabia assuming the presidency, Jordan as vice president, and Senegal as the rapporteur.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Sahraoui women playing Ssig game

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MOROCCO

QATARI mountaineer Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al-Thani becomes ‘First Arab woman & Qatari to complete Explorer’s Grand Slam’

Qatari Mountaineer Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al-Thani made history as she posed atop the Castensz Pyramid in Central Papua, two days back on October 11, 2024, becoming the first Arab woman and Qatari to complete the prestigious Explorer’s Grand Slam.    

“The Explorers Grand Slam is one of the world’s most prestigious adventure challenges, involving climbing the highest peak on each continent and skiing to the North and South Poles. Fewer than 75 people in history have completed this incredible feat,” she wrote on her social media account, adding that she was honoured to be the first Arab woman and Qatari national to achieve this milestone.

Sheikha Asma began her Explorer’s Grand Slam journey with Kilimanjaro in 2014, after which she reached the North Pole in 2018, she then conquered the Aconcagua in 2019. In 2021, Sheikha Asma summitted Elbrus and then began the following year with Mount Vinson in January, from where she skied to the South Pole Last Degree. Then in May 2022, she was at the top of her dream destination – the mighty Everest. In June 2022, she conquered Mt Denali, then leaving her one summit away from the Grand Slam. 

Writing about her journey so far, Sheikha Asma stated, “A journey that began in 2014 with a dream and a determination to break boundaries. Along the way, I’ve learned that persistence, no matter how challenging the road, always pays off. Each summit represents a step closer to realizing my potential, but more importantly, it’s a testament to staying true to your dreams, even when the path ahead seems impossible.”

Sheikha Asma has also successfully summited Mount Lhotse, Kangchenjunga, Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Manaslu, and Labuche Peak. 

Sheikha Asma dedicated her most recent victory to every young girl with big dreams, as she encouraged them to keep dreaming big, “there are no limits to what we can achieve if we remain persistent and believe in ourselves. Keep climbing, keep dreaming, and know that the summit is always within reach.”

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

SAUDI space pioneer Rayyanah Barnawi recognized by Guinness World Records as ‘First Female Arab Astronaut in Space’

Saudi Rayyanah Barnawi was part of the Axiom Mission 2 that launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on May 21, 2023.

 The first female Arab astronaut has had her pioneering spaceflight recognized by Guinness World Records, the organization announced on Monday.

Saudi Rayyanah Barnawi was part of the Axiom Mission 2 that launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on May 21, 2023. She was accompanied by fellow Saudi Ali Al-Qarni aboard a craft bound for the International Space Station.

In her first message she said: “This trip does not represent me alone, but rather the entire Arab world and all Saudis. We are living a dream that once seemed impossible but has become reality.”

Al-Qarni and Barnawi — the first Arab woman to orbit Earth — returned on May 31 after an eight-day stay at the ISS. During their time there they carried out 14 research projects on microgravity, three of which were kite experiments involving 12,000 school students from 47 locations across the Kingdom, conducted via satellite.

During her mission, part of the Saudi Astronaut Program, Barnawi completed several groundbreaking experiments that included studying the response of immune cells and how microgravity affects biological processes.

Barnawi has spent her career advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in the field of cancer stem cells. She worked at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre and holds a bachelor’s degree in genetic engineering and tissue development from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. She also has a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Alfaisal University in Riyadh.

Barnawi’s personal journey reflects her strong ties to both Saudi Arabia and her Sudanese heritage.

Her world record-breaking achievement follows in the footsteps of the Kingdom’s Prince Sultan bin Salman who, in 1985, became the first Arab to go into space.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Rayyanah Barnawi, Saudi astronaut

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SAUDI ARABIA

OMAN: 03 Omani Doctors – 1st for the region: Drs Bader Al Rawahi, Ahmed Al Wahaibi & Jamila Al Ahri Win prestigious WHO awards at 77th World Health Assembly, Geneva

Eight medical professionals from around the world were feted for their unique roles and contributions to public health in their countries and the world at a special ceremony during the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva on Friday.

Of the eight, four recipients are from the Eastern Mediterranean Region of which three are from Oman, a first for a country in the region.

Dr Bader bin Saif al Rawahi

The Dr Lee Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health 2024 was presented to Dr Bader bin Saif al Rawahi, who leads a major public health programme as Director of Communicable Diseases and Control, and manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation at Ministry of Health (MoH).

Dr Rawahi has made considerable effort to leave no one behind in the immunisation programme, including migrants, displaced populations and underprivileged people.

Dr Ahmed Hamed Saif al Wahaibi, head of Elderly Care Section in Primary Health Care Department of MoH, and the Chinese Geriatrics Society, China, were jointly awarded the Sheikh Sabah al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah Prize for Research in Health Care for the Elderly and in Health Promotion.

Dr Ahmed Hamed Saif al Wahaibi

Dr Wahaibi is a family doctor who has made an important contribution to integrating high-quality care for older people within primary health care in Oman. He has also played a part in the development of a national programme for people aged 60 years and older that provides screening, assessment and early intervention as part of primary health care.

Dr Jamila Taiseer Yasser al Abri, a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist with extensive experience and leadership in women’s health, currently Director of Department of Woman and Child Health, was honoured with the Ihsan Doğramacı Family Health Foundation Prize.

Dr Jamila has demonstrated significant leadership in teaching and managing national health programmes, including on breast cancer, mental health and autism spectrum disorders, besides other family health issues. She has played an important role in contributing to the strategic plans for women’s and children’s health as part of Oman’s long-term vision, Health Vision 2050.

Dr Jamila Taiseer Yasser al Abri

The United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize went to National Death Registry System, Saudi Arabia.

“I feel so proud to see four experts and institutions from the Eastern Mediterranean Region receive four of the eight highly valued WHO awards,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

“This sends a strong message about how rich the region is in talented, distinguished and knowledgeable people. The awardees’ expertise and achievements, across different health fields, show that we have human assets who contribute to the improvement of regional and global health.

“Heartfelt congratulations and a big thank you to Saudi Arabia’s National Death Registry System and to Dr Rawahi, Dr Wahaibi and Dr Jamila from Oman. You have made us all very proud and filled us with hope and determination.”

The winners were awarded by Dr Edwin Dikoloti of Botswana, President of the 77th World Health Assembly, alongside high-level representatives of the foundations providing the public health awards and prizes and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO and administrator for the prizes.

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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OMAN / SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA: Winners of 09th Iqra competition from Iraq, Morocco and Saudi were crowned in Dhahran

Boasting an attendance of 16,000 people, including Nobel laureates in literature, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture concluded its ninth annual Iqra competition on Saturday.

Amin Nasser, Saudi Aramco’s president and CEO, and other senior officials attended the two-day event in Dhahran.

Nobel literature laureates Abdulrazak Gurnah and Olga Tokarczuk were also present and offered insights during speaking sessions.

Visitors experienced a series of activities, culminating in the announcement of the competition’s winners.

Moroccan Meryem Bououd was awarded Reader of the Year, while 10-year-old Moroccan Fatima Kettani won the Promising Reader prize.

Iraqi Hira Karkhi secured the Text of the Year prize, while the Reading School award went to Tarbiyat Al-Ajial of the Private International School, Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Safia Al-Ghubari claimed the People’s Reader award, while teacher Najla Ghazi Al-Suhaimi took home the Reading Ambassador prize.

Noura Al-Zamil, Ithra’s program director, spoke of the competition’s significant milestones since its inception in 2013.

Over nine editions Iqra has attracted more than 225,000 applicants and offered 48,000 hours of educational programming.

It has also engaged more than 600 speakers from 30 countries, bringing three Nobel Prize-winning authors to its stage.

Al-Zamil stressed Ithra’s continued efforts to innovate, introducing new elements like the Iqra Travels, Iqra Marathon, and Kitabiya Exhibit, to foster a reading culture among Arab youngsters.

The closing event featured cultural sessions, including a talk by Tokarczuk, who discussed literature as a tool for bridging languages and cultures.

Discussing the future, Tokarczuk expressed both optimism and caution, adding: “I embrace modern tools like ChatGPT but remain concerned about their potential misuse.”

Gurnah, reflecting on his roots, said: “Zanzibar will always be my true homeland, despite my long absence.”

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Boasting an attendance of 16,000 people, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture concluded its ninth annual Iqra competition on Saturday. (Supplied)

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IRAQ / MOROCCO / SAUDI ARABIA

MAURITANIA: Fatimata M’baye honoured as ‘Mauritanian Woman of Courage Award Winner’

On January 21, Ambassador Larry André hosted a lunch in honor of, Fatimata M’baye, the 2016 Mauritanian Woman of Courage Award winner, and a nominee for the United States Department of State International Woman of Courage Award.

  M’baye was Mauritania’s first ever female attorney and she is the president of local human rights NGO Association Mauritanienne des Droits de l’Homme. She has spent her career courageously for advocating and defending human rights, equality, and justice in Mauritania.

The lunch was attended by notable leaders from Mauritanian civil society, especially women and human rights leaders, and is a part of the American Embassy’s on-going efforts to engage in a dialogue with government and civil-society on shared priorities.

source/content: mr.usembassy.gov / US Embassy in Mauritania (headline edited)

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2016 Mauritania’s Women of Courage

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MAURITANIA