Saudi Arabia Holds First-ever Fashion Awards, Presented by Saudi Fashion Council and Chalhoub Group
New
Age Islam News Bureau
18
June 2024
·
Saudi Arabia Holds First-ever
Fashion Awards, Presented by Saudi Fashion Council and Chalhoub Group
·
Iraqi Women’s Soccer Is On The
Rise With Entry Into The FIFA Rankings
·
Kamala Harris Meets Former
Israeli Hostage, Amit Soussana, Who Described Being Sexually Assaulted In Gaza
·
Morality Police Continues to
Patrol the Streets of Iran
·
First Pilgrim Birth Of Hajj
Season As Nigerian Woman Delivers Baby At Mecca Hospital
·
Iranian Woman Jailed Over
Online Posts Released on Bail
·
Investing In The Rise Of Africa’s
Women Entrepreneurs
·
Iran's Presidential Candidates
Slammed for Silence on Morality Police
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
Saudi
Arabia Holds First-ever Fashion Awards, Presented by Saudi Fashion Council and
Chalhoub Group
JUNE
18, 2024
Norma
Kamali ALI GAISI FOR WWD
----------
Saudi
Arabia’s first female jazz singer LoulwaAlshareef belted out a soulful
rendition of the Etta James classic “At Last,” a fitting anthem for the
first-ever Saudi Fashion Awards in the Kingdom.
The
red carpet was full of regional stars at the King Abdullah Financial District.
Less than a decade ago live music was banned and men and women at a mixed social would have been
illegal. Now on the fast track to the kingdom’s vision for liberalization, the
Fashion Awards played a key role in both the society and for its bid to be
recognized as a fashion hub.
“Saudi
Arabia has received milestone after milestone and tonight is no exception. It
will always be remembered as one where we made history together,” said Allison
Tay, editorial director for ITP, who presented the Fashion Stylist of the Year
Award.
“Tonight
we celebrate the achievement of the individuals, designers and brands but also
the collaborative spirit that drives us all forward,” said BurakCamak, chief
executive officer of the Saudi Fashion Commission. “We are honoring the
incredible innovation and creativity that define our industry, an array of
talents, both Saudi and international. Your presence here is a testament to the
vibrant and diverse community we are building in Saudi Arabia.”
Norma
Kamali accepted the WWD International Designer of the Year award. She said she
was thrilled to finally visit the country for the first time, where she was
inspired by the talent of many designers she met at the WWD Global Fashion
Summit earlier in the day.
“The
future of fashion is really in this room. It’s in this country. It’s in this
part of the world,” she said in accepting her award from James Fallon,
editorial director of WWD and Fairchild Media Group. “This is very exciting for
me to be watching something like this evolve. I’m thrilled to be invited. I
love my job and what I do, so I don’t really need awards. In my heart I will
always share it with all the Saudi designers to come and I wish you all the
best.”
LoroPiana
took home the WWD International Brand of the Year award, which was accepted by
Marco Giacometti, chief commercial officer of LoroPiana. “This is special as we
celebrate our 100th year as a brand,” he said.
Fahad
Aljomiah, founder of streetwear label 1886, accepted the prize for best
menswear designer for his brand, which he founded in a dorm room in London six
years ago.
Jeddah-based
Tima Abid, fresh off her opening show at Red Sea Fashion Week last month, took
home the Designer of the Year award.
The
full list of winners:
WWD
International Designer of the Year: Norma Kamali
WWD
International Brand of the Year: LoroPiana
Sustainable
Brand of the Year: Chaldene
Fashion
Photographer of the Year: Norah Almari
Menswear
Designer of the Year: 1886
Womenswear
Brand of the Year: Kaf by Kaf
Bridal
Brand of the Year: Dar Alhanouf
Jewelry
Designer of the Year: Yataghan
Designer
of the Year: Tima Abid
Stylist
of the Year: AlanoudAlsuwailem
Source:
wwd.com
https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/saudi-arabia-fashion-awards-saudi-fashion-council-chalhoub-group-kamali-loro-piana-1236445852/
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Iraqi
Women’s Soccer Is On The Rise With Entry Into The FIFA Rankings
Jun
17, 2024
The
Iraqi Women's National Team is now in the FIFA Women's Ranking(IFA)
-------------
July
2023 marked the beginning of a new era for Iraqi women's soccer. With support
from the FIFA Forward Programme, the Iraq Football Association (IFA) organized
a futsal tournament in Duhok, featuring 140 players from 10 teams.
This
historic event was just the initial step of a broader strategy to boost women's
participation in soccer and provide girls from various regions of the country
with the opportunity to participate.
When
interviewed by FIFA recently, Dr. Rasha Talib, a member of the IFA’s executive
committee said, “We’ve started with futsal, but our goal is to build bridges
that will eventually lead women to 11-a-side soccer.”
The
Iraqi Women’s National Team has been included in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's
World Ranking.
A
step that the team’s forward, Sarah Sahebkran, is excited for.
“Iraq's
entry in the ranking, in 172nd place, was a significant event and tangible
proof of the progress made by women's soccer in our country. We’re on the
women's soccer map now.”
If
this is good news for the current active members of the national team, then it
surely is even greater news for the younger generations as this would
“encourage even more girls and women to play soccer," adds the
23-year-old.
“It
could also provide more opportunities to participate in international
tournaments and to progress, as well as to move a little closer to gender
equality in the field of sport, and soccer in particular.”
One
of the IFA’s main objectives was the creation of multiple championships in all
age categories.
“Throughout
this transition, we’ve put in place an electronic control system to manage the
competitions at each stage," explains Talib.
"This
system ensured compliance with the applicable regulations for participating
clubs, the players, the federation and the referees."
Because
not many Iraqi women wanted – or were even able – to play soccer for logistical
reasons or due to a lack of infrastructure, futsal has long served as an
alternative for them.
And
while there are connections between futsal and soccer, with a select few able
to compete internationally in both disciplines, the federation maintained a
clear separation between the two sports.
"Futsal
and 11-a-side soccer differ in many aspects, with only a few similarities. Our
goal is to distinguish between the players of both disciplines," Taleb
explains.
"By
increasing the number of licensed players, we aim to create a large pool of
talent capable of performing well in the national teams for both soccer and
futsal," she concludes.
From
Spain Back To Her Home Country
Having
played with Club Deportivo El Campello, an amateur Spanish club, Sarah
Sahebkran was impressed by the continuous growth of women’s soccer in the same
country she had left a few years earlier due to a lack of prospects.
Inspired
by this progress, she decided to return home and don the Iraqi jersey.
“I
was called up to the national team in January 2024 to participate in the WAFF
(West Asian Football Federation) tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I was
bursting with pride to be able to represent my country with the national team.”
Although
the road is long, the Iraqi women's team seems to be on the right track, and
not holding back.
Source:
forbes.com
https://www.forbes.com/sites/assiletoufaily/2024/06/17/iraqi-womens-soccer-is-on-the-rise-with-entry-into-the-fifa-rankings/
-------
Kamala
Harris Meets Former Israeli Hostage, Amit Soussana, Who Described Being
Sexually Assaulted In Gaza
June
18, 2024
WASHINGTON:
Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday met with an Israeli lawyer who has
publicly described being sexually assaulted while held hostage in Gaza, and
said the story left her fearing more such accounts “will only increase as more
hostages are released.”
Harris
hosted an event highlighting efforts to reduce conflict-related sexual violence
around the world and said she’d spoken with Amit Soussana, who was abducted
from her home when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.
Soussana
detailed for The New York Times being sexually assaulted while held in Gaza,
before she was released, along with a group of other hostages, during a November
ceasefire that briefly suspended fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Harris
said that after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, “I saw images of bloody Israeli women
abducted.”
“Then
it came to light that Hamas committed rape and gang rape at the Nova music
festival,” the vice president said, referring to the Tribe of Nova music that
was overrun by Hamas militants. “And women’s bodies were found naked from the
waist down, hands tied behind their back and shot in the head.”
Such
accounts of atrocities are not new, but Harris detailing accusations of sexual
violence surrounding the Israel-Hamas war comes as the Biden administration is
working to broker another ceasefire to pause the fighting in Gaza.
Harris
on Monday urged Hamas to accept a US-backed ceasefire proposal. She also said
she heard stories from former Israeli hostages about what they “witnessed and
heard in captivity,” and spoke with Soussana, who the vice president said “has
bravely come forward with her account of sexual violence while she was held
captive by Hamas.”
“These
testimonies, I fear, will only increase as more hostages are released,” Harris
said. “We cannot look away. And we will not be silent.”
Hamas
has denied sexually assaulting people during the Oct. 7, 2024, attack, or the
hostages it has held since, and false reports of abuse have sometimes helped
fueled the conflict between the militant group and Israel.
But
a United Nations report released in March found “reasonable grounds” to believe
Hamas committed rape, “sexualized torture,” and other cruel and inhumane
treatment of women during its Oct. 7, 2024, attack. The same report found there
are “reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing.”
The
vice president also said her “heart breaks for all these survivors and their
families, and for all the pain and suffering over the last eight months in
Israel and in Gaza.”
Harris
said “sexual violence has been a tactic of war since ancient times,” though she
noted that the international community has made recent progress recognizing it “as
an attack on peace, stability and human rights.”
She
said that the Biden administration had worked to prevent such violence by doing
things like providing rape kits and heath care for survivors and helping to
train militaries and back international peacekeepers. The US has also imposed
economic sanctions on individuals associated with conflicts in places like
Iraq, Sudan and the Central African Republic.
“It’s
not enough. The crimes persist and, globally, our system of accountability
remains inadequate,” Harris said. “More must be done.”
Source:
arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2532551/middle-east
--------
Morality
Police Continues to Patrol the Streets of Iran
JUNE
18, 2024
The
broadcast of violent arrests of two women by the Morality Police on Sunday,
June 16, on social media has brought the suppression of women under the pretext
of mandatory hijab to the forefront of discussions among social media users.
This coincides while the candidates of the upcoming presidential elections are
avoiding responsibility and their history of supporting the Morality Police and
hijab enforcers.
In
videos circulating on social media, Iranian women in Tehran are seen being
violently taken into police vans by the Morality Police.
These
images quickly spread among social media users, sparking their anger and
protests against what they see as an “election show.”
The
issue of the Morality Police has become a central topic in the debate among the
three candidates vying for the presidency, to the extent that it has led to
revelations and accusations among government insiders.
Mohammad
Fazeli, a sociologist close to the government faction, indirectly criticized
AlirezaZakani for avoiding defending the necessity of hijab enforcers (those
who admonish or arrest women deemed improperly veiled in metro stations). In
the Ham-Mihan newspaper, he asks: “If the majority of Iranians support the
Morality Police, mandatory hijab, and the Noor Plan, as proponents of these
policies claim, why do principlist candidates not openly defend the Morality
Police to increase their votes? They know their claims are baseless.”
Meanwhile,
Mashregh News, a website close to the principlists, exposed Masoud Pezeshkian’s
alignment with Ali Motahari in questioning then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
about the Morality Police. It writes: “For instance, Masoud Pezeshkian signed a
petition in 2011 questioning why the chastity and hijab plan had not been
implemented. This former parliament member later stated that hijab is law and
must be enforced.”
Yesterday,
during the presence of the reformist-supported candidate at a student meeting,
the Islamic Association of Students at Sharif University of Technology issued a
statement addressing Masoud Pezeshkian, saying, “We are tired of your daily
colorful deceptions.”
On
June 17, during Masoud Pezeshkian’s campaign appearance among students, the
secretary of the Islamic Association at Sharif University addressed this
government-endorsed candidate, saying, “You see yourself as a doctor who has
come to give artificial respiration to the lifeless body of democracy; whereas
this body is on its way not to the treatment room, but to the cemetery.”
Source:
iranfocus.com
https://iranfocus.com/general/51402-morality-police-continues-to-patrol-the-streets-of-iran/
-------
First
pilgrim birth of Hajj season as Nigerian woman delivers baby at Mecca hospital
une
18, 2024
A
30-year-old Nigerian pilgrim delivered a healthy baby boy at the Maternity and
Children’s Hospital in Mecca, marking the first childbirth among pilgrims
during this year’s Hajj season, Vanguard, a Nigerian newspaper, reported.
The
Makkah Health Cluster, which operates the hospital in the Saudi Arabian city,
said the pilgrim, who was in her 31st week of pregnancy, was admitted to the
emergency department after she began experiencing labour pain. Swift action by
emergency doctors ensured her immediate transfer to the maternity ward, where
she successfully underwent a natural delivery.
The
report also mentioned that both mother and baby, named Mohammed, are in good
health, although the newborn, born premature, is receiving specialised care as
a precautionary measure.
The
news was shared on Instagram by @startupdubaiofficial.
The
hospital has established itself as a leader in maternal, neonatal and
paediatric care, regularly handling multiple childbirth cases during the Hajj
season with utmost dedication and expertise, according to the Instagram post.
Reacting
to the post, a social media user said, “Barak Allah feekum, what a blessed baby
to born in makkah.” A second user commented, “Mashaa Allah this is so beautiful
may Allah bless both the mother & baby.” A third user wrote, “this is truly
a good news.”
Source:
indianexpress.com
https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/first-pilgrim-birth-of-hajj-season-as-nigerian-woman-delivers-baby-at-mecca-hospital-9399274/
--------
Iranian
Woman Jailed Over Online Posts Released on Bail
JUNE
17, 2024
Maryam
Mahmoodabadi, a 25-year-old citizen of Sirjan, was released from prison on
Sunday after nearly five weeks in detention.
According
to the human rights news agency HRANA, Mahmoodabadi was released on bail.
The
Iranian judiciary had accused Mahmoodabadi of "producing and publishing
vulgar images and works, insulting sacred things and spreading lies."
She
was arrested on May 14 during a raid by government forces on her family's home
in Sirjan.
For
the first three weeks, she was held in solitary confinement by the IRGC
Intelligence Corps in Kerman before being transferred to Sirjan prison.
In
November 2022, she was detained for over a month, including stints in solitary
confinement under the Revolutionary Guards intelligence and Kerman prison,
after publishing a story about NikaShakrami.
She
was temporarily released on bail then as well.
Source:
iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/130675-iranian-woman-jailed-over-online-posts-released-on-bail/
--------
Investing
in the rise of Africa’s women entrepreneurs
June
18, 2024
A
quiet revolution is brewing across Africa, with women taking centre stage as entrepreneurs.
They’re driving innovation, shaping the continent’s future, and representing a
vast, untapped wellspring of talent. Studies by McKinsey & Company show
companies with the highest gender diversity on executive teams outperform
financially by 27 percent. However, despite their dedication and undeniable
talent, these women entrepreneurs face a gauntlet of challenges. Limited access
to funding, the scarcity of experienced mentors, and the persistence of
outdated societal norms all conspire to hinder their progress.
Empowering
women isn’t simply the right thing to do; it’s a strategic imperative for a
thriving Africa.
Q:
“These women demonstrate remarkable financial acumen, stretching resources
further and achieving superior profitability even with less capital.”
A
win for businesses, communities, and women
Investing
in female entrepreneurs creates a ripple effect of positive change. They
represent a vast pool of untapped talent. Multiple studies have documented the
financial benefits of this untapped resource, highlighting how businesses led
by women deliver superior returns on equity. We not only unlock their potential
but also unleash a cascade of positive change that strengthens businesses,
communities, and the continent as a whole by investing in them.
Take
Wendy Luhabe, a pioneering South African social entrepreneur. Recognising the
challenges women faced in the formal economy, she founded Women Investment
Holdings in 1993, the first woman-owned company on the Johannesburg Stock
Exchange. This groundbreaking initiative shattered glass ceilings and empowered
countless women entrepreneurs by providing them with the critical resources and
opportunities they needed to thrive. Luhabe’s commitment to social change
continues to inspire generations, solidifying her place as a pioneer who paved
the way for a more equitable and prosperous Africa.
Throughout
my career driving positive change across Africa, from finance to healthcare
access and infrastructure development, I’ve consistently witnessed the profound
power of women’s leadership. I get to collaborate with an amazing group of
women leaders and business owners who are coming up with brand new solutions
for healthcare. Mentoring future female business leaders makes this even
clearer. Their incredible determination and the pure genius of their ideas
constantly inspire me. It shows just how much positive change can happen when
we support these women.
The
power of women entrepreneurs
Women
entrepreneurs are a driving force for innovation and community development in
Africa. They often target underserved markets or create solutions specifically
tailored to their communities’ needs. This injects fresh ideas and fosters a
more innovative business landscape across the continent. Furthermore, these
businesses are deeply invested in their local areas. Women entrepreneurs
understand the challenges their communities face and are more likely to
reinvest profits back into local development, creating a positive ripple effect
that strengthens the communities they serve. The impact extends beyond social
good. These women demonstrate remarkable financial acumen, stretching resources
further and achieving superior profitability even with less capital. This
financial prowess translates into sustainable businesses that benefit not only
the entrepreneurs themselves but also all stakeholders involved.
Building
the ecosystem for success
To
help them thrive, a multi-pronged approach is needed. Firstly, access to
funding is crucial. Special funds and investors focused on women-owned
businesses are critical. This can involve public-private partnerships, where
governments collaborate with companies to create funding mechanisms. Impact
investors, driven by social good alongside financial returns, can also play a
vital role. Furthermore, networks of successful individuals who are passionate
about supporting female founders can be a powerful source of financial
resources.
Secondly,
strong support systems are essential. Connecting experienced business leaders
with these rising stars provides invaluable mentorship and guidance. Training
programmes designed for their needs, in areas like finance, marketing, and
business strategy, equip them with the tools they need to succeed. Building
strong networks is equally important. Creating platforms for women
entrepreneurs to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other fosters
collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a sense of community. This collective
voice becomes a powerful tool for advocacy and further fuels their success.
Finally,
policy and regulatory reform play a vital role. Governments can enact policies
promoting gender equality in the workplace, facilitate access to finance, and
provide childcare options for women entrepreneurs. These reforms will create a
more level playing field and break down traditional barriers, allowing these
talented women to thrive.
The
future is female, and Africa is flourishing.Q: “These women demonstrate
remarkable financial acumen, stretching resources further and achieving
superior profitability even with less capital.”
We
invest in a brighter future for Africa by investing in female entrepreneurs.
Their success isn’t just a social good; it’s a strategic economic driver. As
leaders, we have a responsibility to recognise their potential, provide the
necessary support, and watch them become the architects of Africa’s thriving
future.
Source:
businessday.ng
https://businessday.ng/opinion/article/investing-in-the-rise-of-africas-women-entrepreneurs/
--------
Iran's
Presidential Candidates Slammed for Silence on Morality Police
JUNE
17, 2024
Iranian
activists and commentators are criticizing presidential election candidates for
failing to clearly state their position on the notorious Morality Police.
The
patrols, tasked with enforcing strict dress codes, have faced widespread public
backlash.
"The
presidential candidates do not accept responsibility for the Morality Police to
get votes," wrote reformist political activist Abbas Abdi.
Abdi
noted that around half the electorate already said they would not vote, and
"they rightly think that defending this Morality Police will cause their
vote to fall in the other half. This means accepting these people against the
overwhelming majority of people's opposition to the Morality Police."
Sociologist
Mohammad Fazli echoed similar sentiments in his post on X, questioning why
hardline candidates do not openly back the Morality Police if public support is
truly on their side as claimed.
"They
know that they have an unreasonable claim," Fazli added.
Media
activist AlirezaMoezi highlighted the backlash over enforcement measures like
fines, car confiscations, and business closures under the policies, writing,
"It has had such negative and deep feedback that even the most extreme
forces are not able to defend it openly, and they have no choice but to play
with words."
A
new enforcement of severe measures began on April 13, just hours before Iran
launched hundreds of suicide drones and missiles at Israel.
Across
Iran, there have been numerous reports of women being arrested and subjected to
the use of force due to perceived violations of mandatory dress codes.
Users
across social networks have participated in a spontaneous campaign using the
hashtag "war against women" to document their experiences and
observations regarding the government's crackdown on the opponents of mandatory
hijab.
Reports
have surfaced detailing the use of repressive tactics, particularly on female
students in various universities.
Moreover,
pressure has also been mounting on civil activists, political dissenters, women
political prisoners, and cultural figures.
The
new crackdown comes almost two years after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini,
who was arrested for her alleged "improper" hijab.
The
death of 22-year-old Amini unleashed months of mass protests across Iran and
marked the biggest challenge to the country's clerical leaders since the 1979
Islamic Revolution.
More
than 500 people were killed as the Islamic Republic fought back against the
protesters, who gained support from around the world.
In
March, a fact-finding mission mandated by the United Nations said the death of
Amini in the custody of Iran's morality police was "unlawful," and
women in the country remain subject to wide-ranging discrimination.
Source:
iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/news/130677-irans-presidential-candidates-slammed-for-silence-on-morality-police/
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