After an inspirational journey of entrepreneurship, TikTok MENA celebrated the ending of the second edition of The TikTok MENA Creator Hub, #HerAmbitions, with a lavish awards ceremony at Lakum Art Space in Riyadh, on 28 February 2024. The event celebrated the completion of a program dedicated to spotlighting women-led businesses and supporting their growth within the MENA business landscape.
The evening was distinguished by speeches from Kinda Ibrahim, General Manager of Operations, TikTok Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan, and South Asia. In addition, a speech from Joumana Al Rashid, CEO of SRMG. Reem Akl, Regional Communications and Advocacy Analyst at UN Women Arab States, made a speech, as well. All of these women spotlight the role of women entrepreneurs in shaping the future of business in the MENA region.
The Judges:
The panel of judges for #HerAmbitions include renowned creators and entrepreneurs. They include lifestyle influencer and businesswoman Karen Wazen, culinary expert Chahrazad Al Hajjar, the founder of Chahrazad’s Cuisine The Bakery; and Doaa Gawish, CEO and founder of The Hair Addict were also judges. They all played a crucial role in guiding the participants through their entrepreneurial journey.
More About The Program:
With the United Nations Women, the TikTok MENA Creator Hub has nurtured the business of women entrepreneurs across the region. The program provided a platform for participants to showcase their unique talents and business. In addition, they also received mentorship from successful female leaders, and engaging in valuable workshops and panels.
“TikTok is at the forefront of championing Arab women, underscoring 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”, commented Akl.
TikTok MENA awarded the winners monetary prizes, with the first-place winner, Duaa Al-Bataiha, 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.
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 featured a captivating performance by SEERA, the all-female Arab Rock fusion band. It added a unique musical dimension to the celebration. Additionally, the event featured immersive creative experiences, including Riyadh-based digital illustrator Anjali Rengan, further enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
The event recognized the potential of women entrepreneurs. Also, it emphasized the importance of community, mentorship, and the power of digital platforms in amplifying women’s voices in business. The event leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and inspiration for future women entrepreneurs in the MENA region.