It has been an incredible and empowering year for women around the globe.
From Saudi Arabia making significant steps in boosting the female role in the Kingdom, to the younger generation stepping up to challenge authority in the name of what they believe, 2018 has laid the groundwork for more positive changes in the new year.
Behind The Wheel
#SaudiWomenCanDrive
Earlier this year Saudi Arabia has lifted the ban on female drivers, as part of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman initiative to strengthen the role of women.
Film Of The Year
Nadine Labaki has been nominated for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar for her movie Capharnaum, marking the first time an Arab woman received a nod from such a prestigious awards ceremony.
The Bestselling Memoir
In her bestselling memoir Becoming, Michelle Obama she reflects on her life as the First Lady of the United States of America and gives an insight into being the first African-American First Family living in White House. Since it’s release, it’s topped book charts with around nine copies sold every second.
Beychella
Anyone who attended Coachella this year would have witnessed history being made on stage, with a touch of Balmain. Beyoncé was the first black woman to headline the music festival, and performed 27 of her best hits to 100,000 people wearing custom pieces by Olivier Rousteing.
The Elect
This year Rashida Tlaib won the Democratic primary in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. This historic moment marks her as the first Muslim woman elected to Congress.
The New Royal
Meghan Markle is redefining the British monarchy with a number of Royal protocols already broken since she officially joined the family in May.
The Brave
Nadia Murad, the 25-year-old Yazidi woman abducted by ISIS in 2014, was awarded the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize for bravely sharing her story and working closely with Amal Clooney, international law and human rights lawyer, to bring her attackers to justice and end sexual violence. She will donate her $500,000 winnings to her charity, which helps Iraqi women.
The Most Followed Royal
Queen Rania of Jordan uses the power of social media to highlight the important work she is doing, resulting in her being the most followed Arab royal on Instagram. She has also received the Influential Personality of the Year Award from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Ruler of Dubai.
The Businesswoman
For the first time, a woman has been appointed to run a Saudi Bank. Lubna Al Olayan will head up the merger of Alawwal Bank and Saudi British Bank, the third biggest bank in the region, after being a deputy chair of Alawwal Bank for four years.
