In a remarkable showcase of innovation and business expertise, TikTok MENA successfully concluded the second edition of the TikTok MENA Creator Hub, #HerAmbitions, with a prestigious awards gala at Lakum Art Space in Riyadh on February 28th. This event marked the culmination of a program dedicated to highlighting women-led businesses and providing crucial support for their development within the MENA business landscape.
The evening featured speeches from distinguished individuals such as Kinda Ibrahim, the general manager of operations for TikTok Middle East, Turkiye, Africa, Pakistan, and South Asia; Jomana Al-Rashid, the CEO of SRMG; and Reem Akl, a regional communications and advocacy analyst at UN Women Arab States. Each of these accomplished women emphasized the vital role of women entrepreneurs in shaping the future of business in the MENA region.
The esteemed judging panel for #HerAmbitions included notable creators and entrepreneurs, such as lifestyle influencer and businesswoman Karen Wazen; culinary expert Chahrazad Al-Hajjar, founder of Chahrazad’s Cuisine The Bakery; and Doaa Gawish, CEO and founder of The Hair Addict. These influential women played a pivotal role in guiding the participants through their entrepreneurial journey.
With the valuable support of UN Women, the TikTok MENA Creator Hub successfully identified and nurtured the business talents of women entrepreneurs across the MENA region. Throughout the program, participants were able to showcase their unique talents and business acumen, while also receiving mentorship from successful female leaders and engaging in valuable workshops and panels.
Akl highlighted the impact of the program, stating, “TikTok is leading the way in championing Arab women, emphasizing our collective belief in the transformative power of collaboration. Such partnerships ignite innovative solutions and foster enduring teamwork, offering women enhanced opportunities in the entrepreneurship industry. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TikTok and to the myriad of creative minds and innovators. Your creativity and resilience have been instrumental in paving the path toward a more promising and inclusive future for everyone.”
The TikTok MENA Creator Hub unfolded over three dynamic stages, from initial in-app announcements and elevator pitch submissions to live panels, leading up to the awards ceremony where finalists showcased their businesses. The winners were awarded monetary prizes, with Duaa Al-Bataiha securing first place and receiving significant support for her business venture. Second and third-place winners Heba Qadeer and Lara Akl also received substantial monetary awards to further support their business initiatives.
Reflecting on the success of the #HerAmbitions campaign, Ibrahim expressed, “The second edition of the MENA Creator Hub #HerAmbitions has not only set the stage for these remarkable women leaders to shine but also amplified their voices and stories, building a supportive community that celebrates the power of women in business. We are thrilled to be in Riyadh to witness the positive impact of the #HerAmbitions campaign on empowering women entrepreneurs across the MENA region.”
The awards ceremony was further elevated by a captivating performance by SEERA, an all-female Arab rock fusion band, adding a unique and uplifting musical dimension to the celebration. Additionally, the event featured immersive creative experiences by artists, including Riyadh-based digital illustrator Anjali Rengan.
The event not only recognised the potential of female entrepreneurs but also emphasized the importance of community, mentorship, and the power of digital platforms in amplifying women’s voices in business. As the TikTok MENA Creator Hub concludes its second edition, it leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and inspiration for future women entrepreneurs in the MENA region.
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