Islamic Charities’ Sermons in UK That Say, A Man Is "Allowed to Hit" His Wife If She Refuses "Intercourse", “Putting Muslim Women in Danger”
New Age Islam News Bureau
23 Sep 2024
· Islamic Charities’ Sermons in UK That Say, A Man Is "Allowed to Hit" His Wife If She Refuses "Intercourse", “Putting Muslim Women in Danger”
· Fatima Khasif, UAE Female Karate Player Wins Silver Medal at Competition in China
· Breaking Barriers: Saudi Women Footballers Shine in The Spotlight
· BSF Creates Open Gyms, Bathrooms for Women Along Bangladesh Border in WB
· Women Choice Announces Participation at Ru’ya, Careers UAE 2024 In Dubai
· Saudi National Day 2024: 20 Incredible Women Making a Difference
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Islamic Charities’ Sermons in UK That Say, A Man Is "Allowed to Hit" His Wife If She Refuses "Intercourse”, “Putting Muslim Women in Danger”
23rd Sep 2024
The National Secular Society has alerted the charity regulator to two Islamic charities which recently hosted sermons saying a woman must not refuse to have sex with her husband.
A sermon at An-Noor Masjid and Community Centre in Birmingham said a man is "allowed to hit" his wife if she refuses "intercourse".
Another sermon at Muhammadi Masjid Bradford said it is "not permissible" for a woman to observe a voluntary fast without her husband's permission, because sex is not permitted during fasts in Islam.
Both charities, which are mosques registered under the charitable purpose of 'the advancement of religion', uploaded the sermons to their YouTube accounts earlier this month. The sermons have been made unavailable to the public following the NSS's engagement with the Charity Commission.
An-Noor Masjid lecturer: "if he asks for it at any time, it's his right for her to accept and obey him"
Lecturer Mahamed Abdur Razaq (pictured, left) said in his sermon at An-Noor Masjid that "hitting" wives who repeatedly refuse sex is acceptable.
He said that if a woman refuses to have sex, the husband can give her "advice" and "admonition" and refuse to sleep in the same bed as her.
But if "that doesn't help", the husband is "allowed to hit her" and "shake her" as long as this does not "bruise" or "break bones", he said.
The sermon, entitled "Detailed Rulings on Marriage" and uploaded last week, was based on the Islamic legal text Umdatul-Fiq.
Abdur Razaq said the "minimum right" of the husband is that his wife "has to listen to him when he commands her" and "specifically even more so when it comes to intercourse".
He said "if he asks for it at any time, it's his right for her to accept and obey him" and this is a "highly stressed right of the husband".
The wife should agree to have sex "straight away", "without delaying" and without showing "dislike" or that they are "being forced to do it", he said.
He said a wife who refuses sex has "no right" to Nafaqa (financial support) from her husband.
Abdur Razaq added that a person who is "serious about marriage" should not "give any attention" to "the doubts of the feminists and the Kuffar [non-Muslims]".
An-Noor Masjid registered as a charity in 2010. Its website indicates it holds classes for children.
The NSS also alerted the Charity Commission to the Ghamidi Centre in 2021 and Utrujj Foundation in 2022 for condoning violence against women.
Muhammadi Masjid lecturer: Women who challenge men are being 'whispered to' by Satan
In his sermon at Muhammadi Masjid, lecturer Muhammad Huzaifah (pictured, right) said it is "not permissible" for women to observe any fasts outside of Ramadan (nawafil or voluntaryfasts) unless her husband gives permission.
He explained this "is obviously because the husband has certain rights which are not allowed to take place during when a person is fasting, the relationship between a husband and a wife, you can't do those relationships while a person is fasting".
A guide to fasting on the charity's website written by Huzaifah confirms that "marital relations" are forbidden during fasts.
The sermon, entitled "The Rights Of The Spouses" and uploaded on September 6th, said that "obeying the husband and giving him his rights" is "obligatory" for women.
Huzaifah said it is forbidden for a woman to leave her house or admit somebody into her house without her husband's permission.
He highlighted Islamic texts which suggest most people in Hell are women who are "ungrateful to their husbands".
Huzaifah said a wife who "wears makeup", "beautifies herself" and "allows everybody else to look at her" is one of the types of people who are "destroyed", according to Muhammad.
He added that the hijab (headscarf) is "obligatory upon every single woman" and must "cover everything", including every strand of hair. He said women must wear clothes that are "loose and non-transparent where they can't see the shape of the body".
He said it is "even worse" if a married women does not cover herself, because she is not "upholding the rights of her husband".
Huzaifah said some Muslim women "have a lot of feminism in them" and challenge men who dictate how women should dress, speak and act. But he said this is "just a way of Shaitan (Satan) coming to the women" and "whispering" to her to "neglect her obligations".
He defended men who tell women to wear hijab "properly" and to lower their gaze, saying: "Yes the man [also] should be lowering his gaze, but at the same time you should also be wearing the hijab correctly".
Huzaifah criticised men who are "happy" for women to wear makeup when they go out and "for the whole world to see and to check them out", saying: "How can you let your wife, your daughter, go out and every single person to check them out?"
Last month, Muhammed Hassan was given a suspended sentence after he physically assaulted three women in Bradford for not wearing 'traditional Asian dress'. He had previously verbally abused them as "slags" and "prostitutes" and demanded that they dress conservatively.
The case was called an "outrageous public display of misogyny" during Hassan's sentencing. The prosecutor said the attack appeared to be "motivated by sexist attitudes towards women."
According to the Muhammadi Masjid's website, Huzaifah runs "study classes" at the mosque twice a week. The NSS said it is "especially concerned" that children may have listened to this sermon; at the beginning Huzaifah asked the "youngsters" to come closer so they can hear better.
The mosque registered as a charitable incorporated organisation in 2020 and lists its charitable objects as "advancement of the Islamic faith".
NSS: Mosque is "putting women in danger"
The NSS said Muhammadi Masjid was "putting women in danger" by hosting Huzaifah's sermon.
NSS head of campaigns Megan Manson said:
"The patriarchal ideology spouted by these preachers can fuel misogyny, discrimination and violence against women and girls.
"Recently, women in Bradford have been violently attacked for not 'dressing conservatively'. That's what happens when religious leaders tell men that women who don't obey sexist modesty codes are under Satan's influence.
"Assertions that men can hit their wives if they refuse sex, and that women need their husband's permission to ritually abstain from sex, are deeply disturbing. These ideas effectively condone domestic abuse, violence against women and marital rape.
"We are especially concerned that children may have been exposed to these regressive ideas.
"These charities are putting women in danger by hosting such sermons, in clear contradiction of their duty to serve a public benefit.
"If 'the advancement of religion' charitable purpose is enabling charities to advance misogyny through religious ideology, this purpose must be urgently reviewed."
Last month the NSS wrote to Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth Stephanie Peacock expressing concern that some religious organisations are exploiting the third sector to "further their narrow ideologies without benefitting the public - or, worse, to the detriment of the public".
Source: secularism.org.uk
https://www.secularism.org.uk/news/2024/09/nss-islamic-charities-sermons-putting-women-in-danger
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Fatima Khasif, UAE Female Karate Player Wins Silver Medal at Competition in China
(Repreentative Image)
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23 Sep 2024
UAE National Karate Team player Fatima Khasif won the silver medal in the women's kumite -68kg competition at the ongoing Asian Championships for men and women in Hangzhou, China.
Kumite, which literally means meeting of hands, is a kind of sparring where two karatekas (practitioner of karate) engage in combat training with blocks and attacks. Sparring is the only facet of karate that requires a partner.
Khasif secured her medal after defeating Saudi Arabia's Lama Kifi 6-0 in the first match, followed by a 10-3 victory over a Japanese player.
In the semifinals, she overcame Jordan's Jud al-Duraws by decision, but in a hard-fought final match, she narrowly lost to the Hong Kong's champion with a score of 2-3.
This is the second medal for Khasif, ranked 91st in the world, following her first silver medal in the same weight category at the Under-21 Asian Championship held in Kazakhastan's capital Almaty in 2021.
Source: khaleejtimes.com
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-female-karate-player-wins-silver-medal-at-competition-in-china
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Breaking barriers: Saudi women footballers shine in the spotlight
22 Sep 2024
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: Social reforms have driven a significant transformation in Saudi women’s football in recent years, broadening the sport and offering new opportunities for players.
Female footballers once played in the shadows, honing their skills indoors, and longing for the opportunity to compete openly.
Now, just six years after the launch of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform program, they proudly represent a country that has a thriving women’s league and hosts international tournaments, including the West Asian Football Federation Women’s Championship.
Dona Rajab, assistant coach of the Saudi women’s national team, remembers a time when women had to create their own opportunities to train together.
Women played football in Saudi Arabia as early as 2004 in cities such as Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh, she said. “It was not made public, but it still happened.”
Before recent social reforms, it was difficult to even find a field on which to play.
In 2016, Rajab joined a group of young women playing football in Gold’s Gym. Within a year, the premises closed its outdoor area for renovations, leaving the players searching for another location.
“Unfortunately, not many football fields at the time would rent to girls, and we were rejected everywhere.”
After repeated rejections by football field owners, Rajab and the group finally received a “yes.”
“One day, the owner of one of the fields supported us playing football, and let us rent one of his fields with conditions. We didn’t care, we just wanted to play.”
Rajab quickly saw the talent and potential of these young women.
“I took the initiative to coach these girls with the knowledge I had as a player.”
As time passed, Rajab noticed more girls were interested in the game and the numbers at each at practice kept increasing.
“I got excited, and that is when the Storm team began in 2017.
“As we played friendly matches at times with some other girls, I got even more excited and started to care more about coaching and took the step of getting my coaching license.”
A lot of the young women who started their careers with the Storm are now playing in the Premier League and national team.
“I am honored and proud of each girl who worked hard and finally started to see their dreams come true. And that’s all I ask,” Rajab said.
“Since I got the chance as a child and young adult to play in the US, all I wanted was for these girls is to have the chance. With the support of our country, many have fulfilled their dreams.”
For years, Saudi women showed remarkable determination, patiently waiting for their moment to shine. That time arrived in 2018, marking a significant turning point in women’s sports in the Kingdom when a new law permitted women to attend football matches in stadiums.
“The impact on women’s careers in football with the support of government authorities was great. It created opportunities not just as players, but in different departments such as management, media, coaching, and even in education,” Rajab said.
“It is an amazing feeling to know that women around the Kingdom are participating in football, and are part of the growth of the game. Watching young girls being influenced by the game makes me want to work harder to keep developing the game in Saudi Arabia.”
In 2019, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation established a women’s football department. Since that milestone, support for female footballers has increased, leading to the formation of the women’s national football team in 2021, which played its first official international friendly match in February 2022.
Referring to the first international women’s football tournament held in the Kingdom in 2023, Rajab said that “being part of a competition for the first time as a team in history is something indescribable in words.
“The emotions, efforts, and hardship during that time can’t be explained. We took it day by day, game by game, and did our best to achieve the goal we wanted, which was playing the game.”
She said the tournament had a major impact on women’s football today. “As you can see, more girls are interested in the game and families are more supportive.”
Reflecting on her accomplishments, Rajab said: “Being where I am today is an honor — watching talents grow and thrive to be better and stronger each day.”
Majd and Najd Alotaibi are sisters who play football professionally in Saudi Arabia and are members of the women’s national team.
Their passion for football was supported from a young age by their father, Fahad, a former player for Al-Tai.
“I wouldn’t have made it this far without my family’s support, which is something I’m very grateful for. My biggest inspiration is my dad. He’s a big part of my journey and I couldn’t have done it without him. This is only the beginning of my journey,” said Majd, 17, who plays for Al-Hilal.
She described her pride at representing the Kingdom, saying: “Just knowing that I will be wearing my country’s name while in the Saudi national team gives me so much support and motivation.”
Najd, 18, plays for Al-Riyadh. She began playing football at the age of 7, and has “not looked back.”
“My country’s support was my biggest motivation. They have always provided many opportunities for me to grow and improve,” she said.
Source: arabnews.jp
https://www.arabnews.jp/en/features/article_131073/
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BSF creates open gyms, bathrooms for women along Bangladesh border in WB
Sep 22 2024
Three open-air gymnasiums and a number of tin sheet-covered bathing sheds for women have been created by a BSF battalion deployed in this frontier area of West Bengal to guard the India-Bangaldesh international boundary.
The facilities were created following the Union home ministry's directive to the border forces to engage with the local population, with Home Minister Amit Shah saying these remote locations on the front are not the last but the first villages of the country, and organisations like the Border Security Force (BSF) should take all measures for the betterment of the lives of the citizens residing in these security-sensitive areas, a senior officer told PTI.
The 32nd battalion of the BSF has created the open-air gyms near its border outposts of Gede, Kadipur and Tungi in West Bengal's Nadia district.
Equipment like parallel bars, waist stretchers, chest press, fun rider, lateral pull down, sit-up trainer, two-sided rotator and "tai chi spinner" have been installed in these gyms, the officer said.
He said the BSF personnel guarding these areas facilitate people from all age groups -- children, youngsters and the elderly -- to use the facilities anytime of the day. "The barrier that was earlier lowered and kept closed by our jawans is now kept open so that people can enjoy the gym whenever they want," another BSF official said.
The area has been cleaned off weeds and shrubs, and large boards that say "SeemaSambandh Marg" or border-relations street have been put up at the three locations.
The BSF has also erected tin shed-covered bathing enclosures for the women and girls of the area after it came to the notice of the force that women had no privacy for their daily ablutions near the water taps, often located on the roadside.
The "NariSammanSnanghar" were created by the BSF personnel, painted in flower motifs and inaugurated by local women.
"The women used to bathe in the open and we felt very bad that there was no privacy for them. The local BSF unit gathered from the locals that the villagers were distressed due to this and they decided to help with these innovative temporary tin-sheet enclosures.
"The women are very happy with this initiative that the force has undertaken to ensure their dignity," local villager Kumar Biswas said.
Commanding Officer of the 32nd BSF battalion Sujeet Kumar said the force utilised its own funds to create these facilities.
"The BSF is here for the locals. Apart from border security, it is our responsibility to ensure that we help the locals in whatever way we can," Kumar said.
This BSF unit also launched a unique initiative of installing bee hives on the international border fence in November last year and with these "out-of-the-box ideas", it has earned the distinction of creating a unique "model 32" that is being discussed even by the Union home ministry during its civic-engagement review for border areas.
"These are some initiatives that work to earn the trust of the locals, who are our biggest stakeholders when it comes to keeping India's borders safe.
"Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared that the frontier villages will no more be called the last habitations but the first villages from where the country's territorial limits begin," a senior home ministry official said in Delhi.
Source: business-standard.com
https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/bsf-creates-open-gyms-bathrooms-for-women-along-bangladesh-border-in-wb-124092200392_1.html
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Women Choice announces participation at Ru’ya, Careers UAE 2024 in Dubai
September 23, 2024
Women Choice is proud to lead the ‘Career Development Journey’ booth for the 3-day event
Panel session: Tuesday, September 24th from 4pm-4.30pm featuring prominent HR leaders
Dubai, UAE: Women Choice is once again honoured to partner with Ru’ya, Careers UAE (Ru’ya), which is the leading recruitment, skills development and networking forum that creates transformative employment opportunities for young Emiratis.
The three-day event will kick off this year on Tuesday 24th September at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Held in Za’abeel Halls 4, 5 and 6 until Thursday 26th September, Ru’ya is set to welcome more than 16,000 visitors from 10am to 6pm and to empower the next generation of Emirati youth to excel.
With over 150 exhibitors and 2,000 vacancies, Ru’ya offers local and international companies an exceptional opportunity to achieve their Emiratisation objectives by discovering and fostering the UAE’s brightest talent. The 2024 edition promises a holistic experience for future Emirati leaders, from thought-provoking discussions to live performances and hands-on workshops that are all fully aligned with the UAE leadership’s vision for Emiratisation.
Women Choice continues its mission to help advance Emirati women’s careers, fully aligned with the UAE leadership’s vision for Emiratisation. The team will be available throughout the event with expert coaches who will provide insights on how to find the right role or grow a career.
“Ru’ya is a key event in the region and we are proud to be participating for the second year by supporting the country’s efforts around Emiratisation. This year, we will have a dedicated area in the ‘Career Development Journey’ booth where we will help Emirati visitors improve their skills around drafting a strong CV, preparing for job interviews or having a clear career plan.
“We will host a panel with inspiring speakers: Mary Ting, VP of Talent & Organizational Effectiveness for Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Mastercard Emma Duncombe, Managing Director and Head of HR for the Middle East & Africa and Banking at Citi, and Damian Brown, VP of Talent Acquisition at Chalhoub Group. Additionally, with our ecosystem partners like Mastercard or Logitech, we continuously focus on advancing women’s employment in the Middle East and Africa with a clear goal: to help create 1 million jobs by 2030,” said NezhaAlaoui, Founder and CEO at Women Choice.
Women Choice’s broad array of initiatives provides comprehensive support for women entrepreneurs and creates valuable employment opportunities throughout the Middle East and Africa. The mission is to enable the creation of 1 million jobs by 2030, aligning with our commitment to advancing impactful leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For more information on Ru’ya, Careers UAE 2024 or to register as a visitor (UAE Nationals only), please visit the website at https://www.ruyacareers.ae/
About Women Choice:
Women Choice is an international organization that works hand in hand with companies, institutions and governments committed to advancing impactful leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Led by NezhaAlaoui, global advocate for women’s empowerment, social innovator, author and impact influencer with over 3M audience on social media, Women Choice expanded its impact activities from New York to the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region to launch its plan of achieving 1M jobs for women across the Arab world by 2030. More at womenchoice.org
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
A global business facilitator since 1979, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region’s leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector-leading mega-events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region’s growth story with an estimated total economic output of AED 200 billion, attracting over 30 million business visitors to Dubai over the past four decades
Source: zawya.com
https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/events-and-conferences/women-choice-announces-participation-at-ruya-careers-uae-2024-in-dubai-bw3xfmkl
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Saudi National Day 2024: 20 incredible women making a difference
by TEAM EMIRATES WOMAN
23 Sep 2024
Today, September 23, 2024, marks the 94th official Saudi National Day.
As the Kingdom’s loyalty continues to shine through, this special occasion is a day to celebrate the country’s greatness and the importance of having women in high positions.
When is Saudi National Day?
Saudi National Day is celebrated annually on September 23 to commemorate the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz in 1932. The day marks the establishment of the modern Saudi state and the renaming of the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Since the unification of the country by King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud in 1932, the Kingdom encourages national pride and has been celebrating Saudi National Day annually since September 23, 2005.
Women are a key part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is why this Saudi National Day, Emirates Woman is highlighting 20 incredible women you should know about.
Furthermore, we celebrate all the women from the Kingdom this Saudi National Day and the amazing work they do for their country.
HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States of America, HRH Princess Reema Bint Bandar, IS the first woman in the country’s history to serve in the role of Ambassador. As part of her philanthropic work, Princess Reema became a founding member of the Zahra Breast Cancer Awareness Association in 2007. She has also been a member of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee since 2017. Combining all her achievements together, she’s truly an inspiring role model to many.
HRH Princess Lamia Bint Majed Saud Al Saud
Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud is always aiming to give back to society in whatever way she can. Earlier this year, Alwaleed Philanthropies, founded by His Royal Highness Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, launched a new homegrown brand in support of Saudi female artisans. The project entitled Mizwada is also being spearheaded by Princess Lamia, Alwaleed Philanthropies’ Secretary-General. While being known for her role as a philanthropist in society, Princess Lamia has previously shared her desire to change the world, and the newly launched brand, Mizwada aims to work with female artisans in order to promote the concept of locally resources materials that reflect the Kingdom’s heritage.
HRH Princess Al JoharahTalal Al Saud
Her Royal Highness Princess Al Joharah Bint Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the Chairwoman of ATLAL ALMAJD where she focusses on digital marketing, online advertising and online trading, whilst also supporting up and coming businesses. She’s constantly inspiring women at various summits around the globe and sharing her experiences as a Saudi entrepreneur.
Aseel Al-Hamad
Aseel Al-Hammad became the first woman to be appointed to the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation becoming the voice of female motorists in Saudi Arabia. With not much exposure to driving due to the previous legal restriction for women driving, Aseel took full advantage of the opportunities that came her way and proved to be a success.
Noha Al-Yousef
After beginning her professional career while being in her second year of university, Noha Al-Yousef was appointed as the youngest Saudi CEO of a group of companies in the Kingdom during her final year of studies. She went on to found the Ithraa Consulting group in 2009, located in Jeddah, which is primarily used to provide consultancy services and studies in the field of developing Saudi female employment and projects.
EmonShakoor
This tech entrepreneur launched Blossom, which is the first accelerator that aims to empower women and enable startups in the Kingdom. EmonShakoor was also previously a neuroscience researcher at the University of California and has also overseen hundreds of Pfizer clinical drug trials across North America, while being a savvy businesswoman and seizing every opportunity.
Dina Al-Tayeb
Being the first Saudi woman to complete ironman, Dina Al-Tayeb is a practising dentist who has completed over 100 triathlons. She made history qualifying for The Ironman World Championship as it is considered one of the most difficult races in the world.
Yasmeen Aldabbagh
Yasmin Al Dabbagh is known as the ‘fastest woman in Saudi Arabia’. She participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics this year representing her country with pride having to carry the Kingdom’s flag at the opening ceremony and inspiring an entire generation of female athletes. Through immense dedication and hard work, she achieved her long-shot dream of participating in this large scale event this year and making her country proud.
Raha Moharrak
Known for her remarkable achievements, Raha Moharrak is the youngest Arab and first Saudi woman to climb Mount Everest. Her trailblazing journey has inspired several young women as she’s also climbed nine of the world’s most famous summits. The 34-year-old continues to inspire the next generation of thrill-seekers with her note-worthy strides.
ReemaJuffali
Saudi Arabia’s first female formula four driver is taking the world of motorsport by storm. From her first major win at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit in 2018 to climbing up the ranks, ReemaJuffali is definitely a pioneer in her industry. She’s always ready to take on new challenges by fueling her passion on the tracks. She’s also now the only female driver in the British F3 Championship.
Mishaal Ashemimry
Being the first Saudi woman to join NASA, Mishaal Ashemimry’s title of being GCC’s first female aerospace engineer continually inspires young women as this wish to make strides in this industry. She’s even set up her own company Mishaal Aerospace and has set her sights on nothing below the stars.
MarriamMossalli
MarriamMossalli is a Jeddah-based entrepreneur who’s the founder of luxury consultancy firm Niche Arabia. She has been a long-standing supporter of the local fashion industry in the Kingdom and belongs to a generation of Saudi women who embody a new-age spirit. Back in 2018, Marriam published her second book Under The Abaya: Street Style From Saudi Arabia which lays emphasis on the diverse Saudi fashion scene. The book became a sell-out success. One hundred per cent of the proceeds of the book scales were used to create several academic scholarships to promote women empowerment.
HonaydaSerafi
With her designs that have reached a level of global recognition, HonaydaSerafi’s namesake brand is constantly aiming to contribute to reducing waste that’s a by-product from the fashion industry. While embodying her traditional roots, the pieces are a combination of traditions with modern craftsmanship, with a core mission to empower women as supporting local fashion continues to be at the helm of it all.
Lillian Ismail
While being recognized as Saudi Arabia’s youngest jewellery designer, and being born and raised in the Kingdom, Lillian Ismail reignites the flame of her heritage by blending contemporary elements with Islamic-inspired concepts in her designs. She launched her namesake jewellery line back in 2013, with all her designs being handmade piece by piece locally in her hometown, Jeddah. In a recent interview with Emirates Woman, she said, “The fashion scene in Saudi Arabia always keeps growing, but what I appreciate the most, are the efforts put in developing traditional concepts in design and creating unique contemporary versions of them.”
Shahd Al-Shehail
Founder of the ethical fashion label Abadia, Saudi designer Shahd Al-Shehail combines traditional crafts with contemporary designs in garments that are hand-embroidered within the Kingdom. With some of her pieces previously being worn by Queen Rania of Jordan, the fashion designer focuses on luxury fabrics and handcrafted details, that seamlessly blend culture through contemporary designs, as it preserves the age-old values through the brand’s continued commitment.
Nora Al Shaikh
Born with the desire to cater to the modern woman, Jeddah-based designer Nora Al Shaikh has carved out a niche for herself with strong architectural lines and rich colour combinations which are emulated through all her pieces. Nora launched her luxury ready-to-wear line in 2012 and continues to fuse Saudi heritage with a global perspective. In a recent interview with Emirates Woman, she said, “Today I think a lot about how I can empower and give confidence to women around me through my clothes.”
Arwa Al Banawi
In just a few years, Arwa Al Banawi has become one of the most prominent designers in the fashion industry. She has beautifully blended traditional tailoring with a Middle Eastern sensibility in each of her designs. By continually working to be a part of a sustainable future, Arwa is now focusing on the multicultural side of Saudi Arabia by adapting her designs to fit accordingly. In her most recent collaboration, she partnered with Adidas to produce the Arwa Al Banawi Forum Lo sneaker.
Fatima Al-Banawi
The Saudi Arabian filmmaker and actress is best known for her popular television series and films Barakah Meets Barakah, A Blink of an Eye and Paranormal. She’s a renowned storyteller in the Kingdom and is continually breaking the social stigmas assigned to her country. By giving several people in her country a voice, her films have also made an impact in their own rightful manner globally. She was also recently chosen to be Cartier’s ambassador for the Middle East.
Amy Roko
While breaking stereotypes, Amy Roko has kept her identity a secret while still working on massive campaigns for brands such as Benefit Cosmetics, Levi’s and more. While overcoming all the hurdles, she’s managed to gain the love of all her fans as she continues to create fun content.
Bayan Linjawi
This entrepreneur has gained a wide social media fanbase as she shares her favourite fashion pieces and is also the founder of the online concept store 31store.sa, In addition, she’s also the founder of Blossom MENA, an accelerator that aims to connect and foster technology.
Source: emirateswoman.com
https://emirateswoman.com/saudi-national-day-2024-20-incredible-women-making-a-difference/
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