In recent decades, Arab women have increasingly taken on pivotal roles in sectors traditionally dominated by men, particularly in technology and business.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the contributions of four exceptional Arab women whose leadership continues to shape their industries.
Their leadership not only challenges conventional gender norms but also drives economic and technological advancements across the region.
Here are the contributions of four such women whose work continues to influence their respective industries.
Leila Serhan
Leila Serhan, a Lebanese national, serves as the Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for Visa Inc., overseeing operations in North Africa, the Levant, and Pakistan (NALP).
With over two decades of experience, including a significant tenure at Microsoft, Serhan has been instrumental in expanding Visa’s footprint in emerging markets.
Under her leadership, Visa has launched initiatives such as the fintech acceleration program in Africa, aiming to support and nurture local startups. She has also led the key digital payment solutions in countries like Pakistan helping to boost growth in the region.
Bodour bint Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi
Bodour Al Qasimi, an Emirati leader, holds multiple influential positions, including President of the Sharjah Book Authority, the University of Sharjah, and the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park.
Her efforts have been pivotal in transforming Sharjah into a hub for cultural and technological innovation.
Al Qasimi’s work has been key in the integration of research and development with practical applications, fostering an environment where academia and industry collaborate to drive progress.
Ghada Amer
Ghada Amer, an Egyptian academic, serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at October 6 University in Egypt. She made history as the first Egyptian woman to join the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC).
Beyond administrative roles, Amer is dedicated to empowering women in science and technology, striving to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields.
Her initiatives focus on creating supportive environments for female students and professionals, encouraging their active participation in technological advancements.
Jalila Mezni
Jalila Mezni, a Tunisian entrepreneur, co-founded the SAH Group (Société d’Articles Hygieniques) in 1994 alongside Mounir El Jaiez. Starting her career in the banking sector, Mezni transitioned to consumer goods, leading SAH Group to become a prominent player in the industry.
The company’s subsidiaries span multiple countries, including Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and France, offering products like Azur Détergent and Azur Papier. In the first half of 2023, SAH Group reported assets totalling $381.4 million and revenues of $138.5 million.
Mezni has been recognised as one of the world’s most powerful businesswomen by Forbes.
