Arab Fund for Arts and Culture Director Talks New Netflix Collab Supporting Women Filmmakers
New Age Islam News Bureau
04 Aug 2024
A new initiative with @netflixmena launches today!
The initiative will support the making of short fiction films by Arab women filmmakers residing in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
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· Arab Fund for Arts and Culture Director Talks New Netflix Collab Supporting Women Filmmakers
· Iran’s Female Paralympians Shine with Gold, Silver, and Bronze in Paris
· 19 More Women Join Saudi Shura Council, Female Representation Reaches 20%
· Saudi Arabia Hosts Qur’an Memorisation Contest for Girls in Kyrgyzstan
· ‘My Dream Is to Be the First Saudi Female Referee at A FIFA World Cup’: ReemAlbishi
· Three Women Face Acid Attack In Punjab Province Of Pakistan
· Pakistani Women Fear Reporting Abuse - Campaigners
· Muslim Women for Harris Regroup After Disbanding On Lack of Palestinian Voices at DNC
· FITC, Malize Win Business Excellence, African Woman Leadership Award
· Women in Rail Malaysia encourages female students to consider future career options in the STEM space
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/arab-fund-arts-culture-filmmakers-netflix/d/133120
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Arab Fund For Arts And Culture Director Talks New Netflix Collab Supporting Women Filmmakers
A new initiative with @netflixmena launches today!
The initiative will support the making of short fiction films by Arab women filmmakers residing in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
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September 03, 2024
DUBAI: Netflix and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) have partnered to launch an initiative called “Women in Film – Bring Your Story to Life,” dedicated to advancing the professional growth of Arab women filmmakers.
It will offer training and development opportunities to up to 25 women from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait.
Hopefuls can apply as teams with a complete project or as individuals for positions such as cinematographer or editor. A jury will select five projects, while a matchmaking process will be used to help incomplete groups find the technical expertise they need. Each group will develop a short fiction film with a $25,000 budget.
Rima Mismar, the executive director of AFAC, spoke to Arab News, sharing insights on the support the initiative will provide.
“The support that we give in the first stage is very much dependent on the script itself. The jury, which will make the selection, will also provide input and feedback on what each project needs in terms of finalizing the script, which will mainly be through training with scriptwriters, who may also be filmmakers,” she said.
“Once the script is finished, the focus will shift to the producers, as they bring together the team, including the director, writer, producer and cinematographer,” Mismar added.
The program will also offer mentorship and consultancy at every stage of production, from guiding directors on their films to providing support in cinematography, editing and sound design.
Mismar expressed optimism about Arab cinema, noting: “Arab cinema, in terms of creative expression, style, and voices, is in a good place today.”
However, she highlighted significant challenges, particularly in funding and distribution. “The questions that most filmmakers today are grappling with are related to funding and the circulation and distribution of their films,” she said.
She emphasized the need for a rethinking of production models to allow for more frequent filmmaking. “We need to think of ways to make films with less money because the economy of the region does not allow for huge productions. If filmmakers want to do films more frequently, rather than one every 10 years, we need to rethink the tools and resources available to them,” she explained.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569922/lifestyle
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Iran’s Female Paralympians Shine with Gold, Silver, and Bronze in Paris
The Iranian Paralympic team has secured one gold medal, three silver medals, and four bronze medals as of Sunday
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SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
The Iranian Paralympic team has secured one gold medal, three silver medals, and four bronze medals as of Sunday, marking the end of the fourth day of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Among the medallists, four female Paralympic athletes have stood out: Sareh Javanmardi, Zahra Rahimi, Fatemeh Hemmati, and Parasto Habibi.
What do we know about these trailblazing women, the first female medalists of Iran's Paralympic team in Paris?
Sareh Javanmardi: The Most Decorated Athlete in Iran's Paralympic History
Sareh Javanmardi has been celebrated as the most decorated Paralympic woman in Iran's history, a title she earned by winning the gold medal in the shooting para competition in Paris.
Born on December 8, 1984, in Shiraz, Javanmardi was born with one leg shorter than the other, but this didn't stop her from pursuing sports. Until 18, she only exercised at gyms, unaware of Paralympic disciplines and not committing to any specific sport professionally.
In 2002, a chance conversation with a welfare worker introduced her to Paralympic sports, known in Iran as "veterans and disabled sports." That year, she tried chess, fitness, tennis, and sitting volleyball, but in 2006, she found her true calling in shooting para, winning her first medal - a silver - at the 2008 Spanish Shooting Championship.
Javanmardi's next major milestone came in 2012, when she won a bronze medal in pistol shooting at the London Paralympics. Two years later, she secured her first international gold by winning two golds at the 2014 Asian Games, marking the beginning of her dominance in world and Paralympic competitions.
She went on to win two gold medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, one gold at the World Championships in Croatia, two golds at the 2018 World Championships in the UAE, two more at the 2018 World Championships in South Korea, and another gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Javanmardi secured her fifth gold medal, marking her as Iran’s most honored Paralympic athlete.
Javanmardi holds a master's degree in business management from Shiraz University and works as a contract employee in the General Department of Sports and Youth in Fars Province.
Zahra Rahimi: A 15-Year-Old Prodigy Wins Paralympic Silver
Zahra Rahimi has made history as the youngest athlete from Iran to win a medal in the Olympic and Paralympic competitions.
Before Rahimi’s silver in para-taekwondo at the Paris Paralympics, the youngest Iranian medalist was KimiyaAlizadeh, who won bronze at the Rio Olympics at 18. Prior to that, Nasser Givehchi held the record with a silver in freestyle wrestling at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics at 19.
Now, this title belongs to Zahra Rahimi, who, at just 15 years and 8 months, has made her mark in Iranian sports history. Born on November 2, 2008, in Marand, Rahimi is known for her quiet demeanour and avoidance of media. The only public statement she has made in recent months was in response to a question from a TV reporter.
Before the Paralympic team’s departure, a state TV reporter asked Rahimi if she expected to gain university admission in the medical field without taking the entrance exam if she won a Paralympic medal.
Rahimi replied, "Yes, in sports sciences, but definitely not in medicine. To enter the field of medicine, I need to have the knowledge that I know I don't have."
Rahimi received her silver medal on the Paris Paralympic podium from Jackie Chan, the renowned martial artist and actor, who had a prominent role in the Paralympics opening ceremony and also awarded medals in various fields.
Although Rahimi’s time on the national team has been short - less than a year - she has already secured two gold medals in Asian competitions and was named the most technical taekwondo player on the continent.
FatemehHemmati: Double Silver Medals in Olympics and World Championships After Just One Year on the National Team
FatemehHemmati, born on May 19, 2003, in Tabriz, won silver in para-archery at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, quickly earning recognition with two silver medals - one in the Olympics and one in the World Championships - within a year of joining the national team.
Hemmati made her mark by winning silver at her first international competition, the 2024 World Selection Tournament in the Czech Republic, which qualified her for the Paris Paralympics, where she also secured silver in her debut.
Hemmati credits her family as her main motivation. In Paris, she reached the final by defeating opponents from China, France, and England. Hemmatinarrowly lost to Turkey’s Oznur Cure Girdi, in the final match, securing a silver medal with a score of 144 to 141.
ParastoHabibi: A Silver Made of Gold
ParastoHabibi, a national para-athletics competitor, was born on December 9, 2002, in Khorramabad. She initially won a bronze medal in the F32 club throw event with a record of 26.29 meters at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. However, hours later, the organizing committee upgraded her medal to silver.
This upgrade occurred after officials and athletes raised concerns about the throws of the Polish champion in the event. Upon review, the competition committee found that all of the Polish athlete's throws were invalid and subsequently stripped her of the gold medal.
As a result, ParastoHabibi, who had initially secured bronze, was awarded the silver medal. The representative from Tunisia, who had placed second, was then promoted to gold.
A video of Habibi’s emotional reaction was shared by Iranian media users shortly after she won her medal. In the video, Habibi says, "My dear mother, I was able to win a medal - all thanks to the hardships you endured for me. I dedicate my medal to you and the people of my country."
In another video, Habibi's mother responds, "Dear Parasto, you are the model of my life. Although I am your mother, I look up to you in striving for my own life. With or without a medal, you are always my hero."
ParastoHabibi was invited to the Iranian national team in 2022 after winning a gold medal in the national para-athletics competition in the club throw. That same year, she earned a gold and a silver medal at the Asian Para Games. In 2023, she secured the runner-up title at the Fazza Grand Prix in the UAE, which qualified her for the Paris Paralympic Games.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/133541-irans-female-paralympians-shine-with-gold-silver-and-bronze-in-paris/
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19 more women join Saudi Shura Council, female representation reaches 20%
September 03, 2024
Dubai: The Saudi Shura Council has appointed 19 new women, increasing female representation to 20 per cent of the council’s 150 seats.
The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to boost gender diversity in leadership.
King Salman sanctioned a royal decree on Monday, renewing the Shoura Council for the next four Hijri years starting from September 6, 2024.
The decree reaffirms Dr. Abdullah Al Sheikh as the speaker, with Dr. Mishaal Al Salami as deputy speaker and Dr. Hanan Al Ahmadi as assistant speaker, the latter being one of the council’s most prominent female figures.
The newly appointed female members are distinguished experts from diverse backgrounds.
Notable names such as Dr. Arwa Al Rashid, Dr. IshraqRafaei, Dr. AmalQattan, and Dr. Taqwa Omar represent a range of expertise that promises to enrich the council’s deliberations.
The list of female appointees also features seasoned members serving their second or third terms, like Dr. Asma Al Muwaisher and Princess Dr. Al Jawhara Al Saud. These experienced members are poised to continue their impactful contributions to the council’s work.
This development builds on the historic milestone set in 2013 when 30 women first joined the Shura Council.
Sourcr: gulfnews.com
https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/19-more-women-join-saudi-shura-council-female-representation-reaches-20-1.1725357429952
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Saudi Arabia Hosts Qur’an Memorisation Contest for Girls in Kyrgyzstan
September 03, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, with the cooperation of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan, has held the largest Qur’an memorisation competition for girls in Kyrgyzstan.
This year’s contest began in seven governorates and two cities, in which 270 contestants competed in the first qualifying round in four categories: memorization of the whole Qur’an, memorization of 20 parts, memorization of 10 parts, and tajweed and recitation.
The final rounds were held on Tuesday with 26 contestants at the Imam Sarakhsi Mosque in Bishkek.
The final stage, in which the winners will be honored, will be on Wednesday in the presence of key religious officials from Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan.
The first national competition was organized for boys in December 2023. Such competitions are part of the programs and activities carried out by the ministry abroad to spread the teachings of the Qur’an, promote moderation and combat extremism.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569921/saudi-arabia
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‘My dream is to be the first Saudi female referee at a FIFA World Cup’: ReemAlbishi
September 04, 2024
RIYADH: Futsal referee ReemAlbishi is one step closer to her dream of being the first female Saudi referee at a FIFA World Cup, after she recently represented the Kingdom by officiating in the OFC Futsal Women’s Nations Cup in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
At the tournament, the Oceania qualifier for the inaugural 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, Albishi refereed four matches, including the final between New Zealand and Fiji.
During the tournament, Albishi was lead referee in the group stage match between Tonga and the Solomon Islands. She was also assistant referee in two other group stage matches: New Zealand v Tonga and New Zealand v Tahiti. Additionally, she was the assistant referee in the final between New Zealand and Fiji, where the “Football Ferns” secured their place in the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in the Philippines.
LamiaBahaian, vice president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, said: “Reem’s dedication and determination have led her to this important stage in her career, and we couldn’t be prouder of what she’s achieved. She has consistently shown a strong commitment to her craft, and her involvement in such a significant tournament reflects her hard work and talent.
“We will be supporting her at every step of the way as she targets the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup,” Bahaian said. “Her journey represents the opportunities we are working to create for female referees in Saudi Arabia, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see these efforts taking shape. We look forward to seeing her continue to thrive and inspire the next generation.”
Born and raised in Jeddah, Albishi, 27, is the youngest of four sisters and one brother. She began refereeing women’s football in 2018 and switched to futsal in 2020. Although her love for football has always been present, she did not initially set out to become a referee.
Albishi, said: “I was playing football and had to stop because of an injury. That’s when I turned to refereeing, and I’ve never looked back. My dream is to be the first Saudi female referee at a FIFA World Cup, starting with the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in the Philippines.
“I also aspire to one day officiate in men’s competitions at the international level. The sky is the limit, and I’m determined to reach that goal.”
Albishi’s rapid development as a referee has taken her to several international competitions. Earlier this year, she travelled to France and officiated a French final four futsal playoff qualification match between Kremlin-Bicetre and Paris Acasa, as well as matches in New Caledonia, for the Oceania Football Confederation Futsal Men’s Champions League. At the Futsal Week U-19 Summer Cup in Croatia further showed her abilities when she worked alongside 14 international colleagues, officiating in seven matches and receiving praise for her performances, especially during the knockout rounds and final.
Albishi’s accomplishments have led to her being selected as a FIFA-accredited referee, making her an emerging candidate to officiate at the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. In August, she also completed the latest on-field assessment at the Asian Football Confederation’s Elite Futsal Referees seminar in Kuala Lumpur.
Albishi’s presence in international competitions highlights the efforts made by the SAFF to enhance the refereeing landscape through targeted initiatives under its ‘Tactics for Tomorrow’ transformation strategy. This strategy includes dedicated pathways for female referees under the “Women’s Football” pillar and comprehensive support and incentives under the “Workforce” pillar, aimed at developing referees at all levels of the game. These efforts have already shown results, with the number of female referees increasing by 26 percent in 2024 compared with 2023.
As the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in the Philippines approaches, Albishi’s performance at the OFC Futsal Women’s Nations Cup makes her a strong candidate for selection at the tournament.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570032/sport
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Three women face acid attack in Punjab province of Pakistan
03 September 2024,
Lahore: Three women, including a mother and a daughter, came under acid attack for allegedly refusing a marriage proposal in Punjab province of Pakistan, police said on Tuesday.
The incident took place in Muzaffargarh district of Punjab, some 390 kms from Lahore, on Monday. Sawera, 20, her mother Kalsoom Bibi, and cousin Sania, 6, were sleeping in their house at Mauza Binda Ishaq when two suspects -- Muhammad Imran and his ...
The police said Muhammad Imran wanted to marry Sawera but she had turned down his proposal. Imran had also asked her mother to persuade her for marriage but she also refused. “Nurturing a grudge against both daughter and mother, Imran entered their h...
Source: deccanherald.com
https://www.deccanherald.com/world/three-women-face-acid-attack-in-punjab-province-of-pakistan-3175196
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Pakistani women fear reporting abuse - campaigners
EmbHashimi
04 September 2024,
Pakistani women are not reporting incidences of domestic abuse for fear of family disownment and community isolation, campaigners have said.
A specialist domestic violence unit at Green Lane Mosque in Birmingham said that there was a "hidden pandemic" of violence that official figures did not reflect.
Up to 50% of women who use the service do not report their abuse to police due to fear of losing their home, financial support and being isolated, staff said.
They can receive help in a safe and secure environment and staff said since they launched three years ago, they have seen 200 women.
Shazia, who does not want to use her real name for fear of any recriminations, was born and raised in the West Midlands and said she experienced domestic abuse in both her marriages, but did not report it.
"I suffered domestic abuse, starvation and mental abuse to the point that I could not take it anymore," she said.
She was first forced to marry her cousin in Pakistan and suffered daily incidences of abuse.
She collapsed while pregnant with her first child in Pakistan and was rushed to hospital.
Her in-laws were worried they would be blamed if anything was wrong so sent her back to England to her mother, which is how she escaped her abuser.
At hospital in Birmingham, she said nurses could not believe she was pregnant as she was so emaciated and fragile.
Going against her mother’s advice, Shazia went on to divorce her husband.
Shazia initially refused to remarry but eventually yielded to family pressure about being an unmarried mother within the community.
Once again she found herself the subject of physical and emotional abuse.
Her son from her first marriage was also a target and was hit and had toys taken away, she said.
"One day I said 'enough is enough' and I told him to leave."
She said she did not report anything because she knew she would not receive support from family and she would be shunned in her community.
"I remember my mother saying 'don’t cut the rope, don’t cut the rope', meaning don’t break this marriage up, it doesn’t matter what they do to you," she said.
Asiya Aziz, who does not want to use her real name due to sensitivities around her work, leads the domestic abuse service at Green Lane Mosque and said at least 70% of the women they helped were Pakistani.
The service, at one of Birmingham’s largest mosques, has been so busy they have extended the clinic and employed new counsellors, she said.
"It is a hidden pandemic, that’s why we have to support these woman in any way we can," she said.
'Don't stay silent'
Shazia said she wished the mosque service had been available to her when she was suffering.
"I would say to anyone suffering abuse now - don’t stay silent, go to the police or the mosque, there is so much support out there," she said.
The mosque can offer financial support to women who need it through the mosque's Zakat system – which is a way Muslims donate to charity.
It was also keen to make sure all staff were trained about domestic abuse, which included the Imams who run sermons on the topic.
Sharon Bryan, from the National Centre for Domestic Violence, said she had been working with women from the Pakistani community as well as others suffering abuse for over 28 years.
"They are scared, they won’t report to the police," she said.
"Many Pakistani woman do not realise what was happening to them was wrong and that it was a crime," she said.
Source: bbc.com
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2npdnz5mpo
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Muslim Women for Harris Regroup After Disbanding On Lack Of Palestinian Voices At DNC
03 September, 2024
Brooke Anderson Washington, DC
A group called Muslim women for Harris-Walz have regrouped after disbanding following the denial of a Palestinian speaker at the Democratic convention last month.
The group, which announced two weeks ago that it couldn't continue supporting the Democratic ticket in good conscience, is now saying that there is too much at stake to protest the party's stance over Gaza.
"With less than 70 days until the November election, we have to be honest with ourselves about what is at stake here for Muslim women: our reproductive rights, access to healthcare, climate change, immigration reform, access to quality education, economic opportunity and the clear danger a Trump presidency could pose for our Black and Brown communities," the group wrote in a public statement on Instagram titled Setting the Record Straight and Moving Forward, posted last week, just days after they had announced they'd disbanded.
The group went on to say that they are urging Muslims to support Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz in November, with the caveat that they will continue to pressure the current administration for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and for policy change from the Harris-Walz campaign.
In their post, the group emphasised their disappointment with the Harris-Walz campaign over their lack of inclusion of Palestinian voices, saying that "the promise of a big tent is an empty one without the inclusion of Palestinian Americans in 2024 and beyond."
Meanwhile, they praised the "uncommitted" movement for working both on the inside and outside the system to push the Democratic Party to have a more equitable foreign policy towards Israel and Palestine. They emphasised their respect for different strategies for advocating for Palestinian human rights in the US political system.
In response to the group's announcement, one person posted, "Thank you for continuing to bring the terrible genocide in Gaza to light! I was considering voting for Jill Stein, but seeing this page has affirmed that we can unionize and petition for a change, even if it seems impossible to do so with our current major parties!"
Source: newarab.com
https://www.newarab.com/news/muslim-women-harris-regroup-after-disbanding-over-dnc
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FITC, Malize Win Business Excellence, African Woman Leadership Award
4th September, 2024
Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) the world class innovation-led and technology driven knowledge institution has emerged the winner of the 2024 Business Excellence Award at the recently concluded BIZZ Awards, an international award organized by the World Confederation of Business (WORLDCOB) based in Houston, Texas, United States.
Also presented with an award was the Managing Director and CEO, FITC, ChizorMalize, who won the “African Woman of the Year Leadership Award”. The award was in recognition of her game-changing work at FITC driving innovation, transformation and inspiring leadership.
FITC, a Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers Committee-owned Entity, which provides cutting-edge Learning, Advisory and Research Services to organizations within the Financial Services and other allied sectors, was announced the winner of the “Business Excellence Award” in recognition of its extraordinary initiatives that have led to innovative and exceptional transformation within the organisation with significant impact on the Financial services sector which it serves.
The BIZZ AWARDS business excellence award programme in its 19th edition, is created by the World Confederation of Businesses (WORLDCOB) and organized yearly to cover 3 regions of the world Europe, Americas and Asia with participation and entries from over 130 countries. It recognizes and promotes the growth of leading businesses. The award is designed to promote excellence in business practices through innovation, service culture, efficiency, quality assurance and strong leadership. It is considered the most important recognition of business excellence in the world.
In his opening address Global Founder and CEO of WORLDCOB Jesus Maron highlighted the vision for the Business Excellence Award.
“This prestigious award aims to highlight the best practices in the industry, inspiring companies worldwide to strive for excellence in their operations and strategies. By showcasing these success stories, the award fosters a culture of continuous improvement and encourages businesses to adopt responsible and impactful practices that benefit not only their growth but also contribute positively to society. The ripple effect of our recognition extends beyond the winners, promoting economic development, fostering international collaboration, and driving positive social and environmental change globally”, he remarked.
In receiving the Awards for FITC and the African Woman of the Year Leadership Award, the Managing Director and CEO ChizorMalize, acknowledged the great work by the organizers, WORLDCOB and the contributions of diverse stakeholders towards the success of FITC.
“I am deeply honored to accept this Global Business Excellence Award on behalf of FITC. This recognition is a testament to the great work, dedication, and passion for excellence that our team demonstrates every day. I am grateful to lead such a talented group of individuals who are deeply committed to making a positive impact.
At FITC, our mission is to empower organizations and individuals through innovative solutions and knowledge. This award reaffirms our belief in the importance of continuous personal development and the pursuit of corporate excellence. We are driven by the desire to create a future where businesses operate with purpose, responsibility, and a commitment to societal impact”. She said
“I am also deeply honored to receive the African Woman of the Year Award for Leadership. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a celebration of the strength and potential of phenomenal African women in leadership all over the content. I am grateful to lead FITC and to work with a team that shares my commitment to innovation, growth, and positive change”.
These recognitions are not just a celebration of our achievements but also a call to continue pushing the boundaries and setting new standards in our industry. As we celebrate this moment, we are inspired to keep innovating and collaborating to make a meaningful difference”, She enthused.
FITC’s recent recognition at the BIZZ Awards, alongside the leadership accolade awarded to ChizorMalize, underscores the organization’s steadfast dedication to excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership. These honours not only celebrate the achievements of FITC but also highlight its pivotal role in driving growth and excellence across industries with emphasis on the Nigerian financial service sector.
Under the visionary leadership of ChizorMalize, FITC has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering innovation and achieving remarkable results. The organization’s approach is rooted in the belief that excellence is a continuous journey, one that requires a relentless focus on creating value and driving impactful change. FITC’s success is built on its ability to anticipate industry needs, embrace cutting-edge solutions, and empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.
ChizorMalize’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding FITC to new heights. Her dedication to creating a culture of excellence and her ability to inspire and motivate her team have been key factors in the organization’s success. “These recognitions are a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Malize. “They inspire us to continue our mission to innovate and lead, driving impactful change across the industry and beyond. FITC is committed to shaping the future of knowledge, bridging gaps, and empowering the next generation of leaders.”
FITC’s success is deeply rooted in its strategic partnerships and collaborations with a diverse range of organizations and institutions globally. By aligning with visionary entities, FITC has been able to amplify its impact and extend its reach across various sectors. These partnerships are instrumental in fostering innovation, promoting best practices, and enhancing the capabilities of individuals and organizations.
Over the years, FITC has drawn from partnerships with diverse leading institutions such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the African FinTech Association, the West African Bankers Association (WABA), the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC) and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC),
FITC has cultivated a network that spans multiple industries and disciplines. These alliances have enabled FITC to stay ahead of industry trends, leverage cutting-edge technology, and create innovative solutions that drive growth and development. Through these collaborations, FITC has been able to bridge knowledge gaps, offer world-class capacity building programmes, and deliver impactful research and advisory solutions that empower the next generation of leaders. By continuously seeking out and nurturing partnerships with organizations that share its vision for excellence and innovation, FITC reinforces its commitment to advancing knowledge, enhancing performance, and fostering sustainable growth.
With the remarkable WORLDCOB 2024 awards, FITC reaffirms its position as a beacon of business excellence and leadership, poised to inspire and lead for the next 40 years and beyond. The organization remains focused on empowering individuals and organizations to achieve exceptional performance and sustainable growth, setting a standard of excellence that resonates throughout the industry.
As FITC continues to expand its influence, it remains dedicated to its mission of fostering innovation, excellence, and impactful leadership, ensuring a bright future for the financial service industry and the communities it serves.
Source: thisdaylive.com
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/09/03/fitc-malize-win-business-excellence-african-woman-leadership-award/
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Women in Rail Malaysia encourages female students to consider future career options in the STEM space
4 September 2024
Focus on maths and science, study hard and get into a good university.” Students have heard this spouted so often it probably goes in one ear and out the other. A granular approach, as Natasha Zulkifli has learnt, is more likely to grab their attention. During talks in Johor schools, she tells youngsters: “We are building a railway line in your town. When it is up and running, we will need good workers. You could be one of them if you go into the science stream and work hard.”
The founder director of non-profit Women in Rail Malaysia (WRM) says her team has spoken to more than 11,000 students nationwide since 2018 to interest them in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and share the good news: There are potential career opportunities in the rail industry.
“You need to inspire, you need to trigger something that makes them think, ‘Hey, this is something I could do’.” Her team slips in safety briefings during the sessions — “We’re building in your town, so please be careful” — and gets personnel to show pictures of construction signs and explain what they mean.
A WRM member will be ready to talk about the importance of pursuing those crucial subjects at tertiary level. She may also share her personal journey, perhaps about obtaining a scholarship and studying abroad, which loops back to doing STEM and working hard.
Natasha, stakeholder director at YTL Construction, is part of its project team that is building the new 192km electrified double-track rail link that connects Gemas in Negeri Sembilan to Johor Bahru. This final stretch of the existing Keretapi Tanah MelayuBhd network is being upgraded from a single track. When ready in 2025, there will be a continuous connection from Johor BahruSentral to Padang Besar at the Thai border.
“Many kids are not keen to do STEM because they think it is hard. You have to get down to the details to help them understand and focus. If you don’t, how is a small girl in Johor going to know that in 10 years’ time, there will be a high-speed rail from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and that we need good people? The HSR is on hold for now but you have to paint a picture of the future. What’s important is awareness and exposure.
“You’ve got to say, ‘This is what it will look like. This is where I was; this is where I am today. And this is what your future can look like.’ You cannot go everywhere and talk to everyone, but you can do your best and speak to the pockets of those affected, so they’re going to see a new rail line through that town.”
Introducing students to STEM, ideally in primary school, is crucial, adds the London School of Economics law graduate whose rail journey began in 2012 when she became special officer to the CEO at SPAD (Land Public Transport Commission). Subsequently, she joined Prasarana Malaysia as head of international relations. Then someone asked if she would like to set up WRM.
“At that time, my life was pretty settled, my kids were in school and my marriage was going well. I was also enjoying my job. Because I had been so blessed with opportunities, I wanted to do more. I thought if there’s a model I could follow, I’d be happy to emulate it.”
Natasha contacted Women in Rail in the UK about the idea and they were very supportive. In Malaysia, she invited female colleagues and heads of rail-related agencies to lunch meetings and asked if they would like to get involved. Everyone said yes.
There was male support too. A few years earlier, Natasha had a hand in setting up the non-profit Institution of Railway Signal Engineers, Malaysia. Members stepped forward to pay for WRM’s incorporation because “last time you helped us”. A friend built its website, telling her she could pay him later.
WRM was officially born in September 2017. It encourages young women to take up STEM and consider working in rail, and promotes equality and diversity in the industry. “The country will need strong and good talent for when we build and run the HSR. We need to nurture and groom them now as we cannot miraculously conjure up talent when the project is awarded,” she says.
“I don’t profess to want to change everyone’s life. But I do know I want to make a difference, provide support and ensure we have a good talent pipeline coming in. You have to plant that enthusiasm in students from young.”
In conjunction with International Youth Day, celebrated by the United Nations every Aug 12, WRM is taking a group of students aged 15 and above to visit the Express Rail Link depot in Salak Tinggi, Selangor. The ERL is a non-stop high-speed service from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to KL Sentral.
The youngsters will get to see how a train control centre works and how the coaches are maintained and repaired. Experiential learning will give them a better idea of things than just reading about them. “Besides instilling a sense of nationalistic pride in our critical infrastructures, we hope the trip triggers an interest in the industry. We will have a female railway engineering graduate talk about her experience working in Malaysian rail. Role models such as these are very powerful and tremendously inspiring.”
Natasha is one fine example. In 2019, she was recognised by the German government as one of its “Remarkable Women in Transport” for her contribution to sustainable mobility solutions. In 2021, she was named Outstanding Woman of the Year in Rail for her long involvement in Malaysia’s public transport and rail sector by the government .
WRM has 700 female and male members today, including students and corporate partners, and events are run solely by volunteers. It organises leadership talks with industry experts regularly. A mentorship programme is being rolled out, and workshops for professional development are on the cards.
In 2019 and last August, it held international conferences where participants learnt about global iconic transport and infrastructure projects, and met speakers who dared dream and rise to impossible challenges, knowing creativity and determination can impact organisations and countries as a whole.
Natasha counts among them. Looking at how WRM has evolved organically, she says: “I berani because I just wanted to try. I’m not afraid to fail; I’m not afraid to look stupid.”
She credits her can-do spirit to a “non-conventional upbringing” by her Malay father and her mother, who is from New Zealand. “Also, I am who I am because of the support of a very good man, my husband. He does not feel threatened by my success. I’ve had supportive bosses, good people in the industry and two children who are my biggest cheerleaders.”
The hardest part about trying to inspire people to get into STEM is countering the “natural human inclination to take the easy route and not wanting to give it a go”, Natasha reckons.
“Also, I think perhaps the government isn’t doing enough to make [school] fun, have the right teachers in place, and properly structure technical and vocational education and training courses. If Malaysia were to look 20 to 30 years ahead at the types of skills we need, we’re going to be that country that has to import all the expertise.
“I know the rail industry does not have a proper skills development plan. That really is concerning because what’s going to happen is, when we start to see the rollout of the next big major rail line, where’s the talent going to come from?
Her priority now is to have the backs of women in the industry and build a quality talent pipeline. That also means giving the young the exposure they need.
Talk about starting young: Natasha’s first train ride, when she was in Primary Three, remains fresh in her mind. “My parents sent me and my sister up north for a week with a helper and my great-grandmother, who had a house in Butterworth. They put us in the non-air-conditioned class. I remember getting to the station early in the morning.
“My sister, who was in kindy then, wore white track pants. By the time we arrived, they were black because of the dirt from the open window. I remember just feeling so hot, but it was like an adventure.
“I love taking the train, especially the high-speed rail, wherever I go these days. I do think Malaysia needs to make rail the way of the future. It disappoints me when I see more highways sprouting up, like a criss-cross of spaghetti.”
Her dream is for the government “to recognise the good work we are doing and give us a grant to allow us to hire someone and be able to conduct events on a regular basis”. Her goal is to do more events and provide support for women in other countries, “for them to know that if they want to set up Women in Rail, I will be behind them all the way and do everything in my power to help them. Because I believe we cannot grow unless we are united”.
And her hope is to have more male members because “we cannot survive without the [backing] of the men in rail. I must say for an industry that is supposedly male-oriented, they are extremely warm and welcoming — if you have the brains and are willing to put in the work to do your job well”.
Source: optionstheedge.com
https://www.optionstheedge.com/topic/people/women-rail-malaysia-encourages-female-students-consider-future-career-options-stem
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/arab-fund-arts-culture-filmmakers-netflix/d/133120