The Woman of the Year Awards 2024 culminated with a spectacular grand finale on December 2. Here are the voices of the 19 incredible women who graciously celebrated their triumph while inspiring others in their respective fields.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Safia Ali Mohamed Kanoo
I am honoured to be selected for the magazine’s Woman of the Year Award. This reflects the value of giving and hard work, whether through art or volunteering. Art is the true expression of the soul, and volunteering is the hand that makes an impact, and together they form one language that expresses humanity and giving.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be a part of this inspiring message.
WOMAN IN ART AND DESIGN
Leena Al Ayoobi
I am deeply honoured to receive the Woman of the Year award in Art and Design. This recognition inspires me to continue merging cultural heritage with modern creativity. To all dreamers: embrace your passion, persevere, and trust your unique voice, it has the power to transform the world through art.
WOMAN IN FASHION
Nada Alawi
Receiving this award highlights my mission through my creations at ANNADA to redefine fashion through art. Every scarf, ever Abaya and every design carries a story, celebrating beauty and culture. Fashion, to me, is the bridge between creativity and life—a way to express who we are and the stories we cherish.
WOMAN IN JEWELLERY
Marwa AlHussaini
I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Woman of the Year award. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the collective strength and resilience of women everywhere. It’s not just for me, but for all the women who tirelessly support and inspire one another on our individual and shared journeys to success. This award encourages me to multiply my efforts to reach new heights, while inspiring other women to make their success story.
WOMAN IN ENTERTAINMENT
Victoria Shaban
I feel incredibly honoured to have won this award. Thank you to everyone who believed in me.
‘Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion’ – Martha Graham
WOMAN IN BANKING & FINANCE
Dr Nasreen Al Qaseer
Empowering women in banking and finance is not just about breaking barriers but about building bridges for future generations. This achievement reflects the strength, resilience, and vision of women who continue to inspire and redefine success in our industry. Together, we lead with purpose and create lasting impact.
WOMAN IN BUSINESS
Pooran Alansari
As a Bahraini woman in business, this award honours not just my journey, but all the incredible women who uplift and inspire one another. Together, we can break barriers and redefine success. I dedicate this award to all the women who dare to dream. Let us break barriers and pave the way for future generations to shine.
WOMAN IN INNOVATION
Huda Radhi
I am truly honoured to receive this recognition. This award celebrates the transformative power of perseverance, collaboration, and innovation. To all dreamers, let this be a reminder: with unwavering passion and a clear purpose, challenges can become stepping stones, and together, we can create meaningful change.
WOMAN IN ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE
Eman Mohamed Almannai
I’d like to congratulate my eighteen colleagues, each of whom is an expert in her speciality. Their triumph is well-earned, and the affection we have received for winning this honour is just one more accomplishment that adds happiness to our successes. I appreciate you taking the initiative, Woman This Month. I am pleased to accept this award and recognition as the 2024 Woman of the Year in the real estate industry.
WOMAN IN AVIATION
Hend Alawadhi
In life’s journey, challenges are inevitable, but remember: growth often emerges from struggle. Embrace the obstacles as stepping stones toward your dreams. Every effort, every setback, shapes you into a stronger, more resilient person. Stay committed and passionate; the reward of achieving your goals will make every hardship worthwhile.
It’s your life. It’s your choice. Choose wisely
WOMAN IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING
Dr Hanan Mubarak Albuflasa
Achievements, big or small, are personal goals – our private dreams born from a deep passion that grows tall to reach the sky. However, awards and recognitions are public success stories that inspire those around us and beyond. They represent an obligation from our current self to our future self, our self-hero.
WOMAN IN HEALTH
Dr Fatema Marhoon
I would like to dedicate this achievement to the army behind it, my autism community, and I surely will continue working for their rights in education inclusion, healthcare accessibility and social acceptance. I am who I am because of them.
Autism is neurodiverse and beautiful; It deserves to be acknowledged.
WOMAN IN HOSPITALITY
Maryam Al Maskati
True success comes from persistence, passion, and a clear sense of purpose. May this recognition inspire others to unlock their potential and aim for greatness.
WOMAN IN EDUCATION
Dr Nehal El Naggar
This achievement is a testament to the collective strength and resilience of women everywhere. It highlights the importance of our individuality and femininity as sources of power. By fostering education and high self-awareness, we empower ourselves to recognise and seize opportunities, turning dreams into realities. Together, let’s celebrate our strength and the unique gifts we bring to the world.
WOMAN IN PHILANTHROPY
Zahra Abdul Malek
As a professional female horticulturist in a traditionally male-dominated field, I have dedicated over four decades to promoting the art and science of horticulture through my work at the Bahrain Garden Club. By sharing my knowledge and resources, I’ve strived to improve the practical aspects of gardening and plant cultivation in our community. For more than 40 years, it has been my life’s greatest joy to volunteer and lead initiatives that bring the countless benefits of horticulture to as many people as possible – an endeavour I consider a profound act of service. Through cheerful giving and grateful receiving, we have created a cycle of blessing that continues to nurture both our gardens and our community.
WOMAN IN BEAUTY
Buthaina Alshomili
I sincerely thank the organisers and judges of the Woman of the Year Awards for giving us the opportunity to participate in this prestigious competition and for the meaningful award. Special thanks to Ms. Feryal Nass, Chairman of Bahrain Entrepreneurship Organisation, for her support and encouragement to participate as members of the organisation.
WOMAN IN MEDIA
Dana Zubari
I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from the community that nominated me, the individuals who voted for me, and the judges who recognised me as a strong candidate for Woman of the Year. Thank you for this incredible honour. I hope this award serves as a platform to inspire more women in my field and beyond.
WOMAN IN MOTORING
Safa Matar
Winning ‘Woman of the Year in Motoring’ reflects my dedication and perseverance in a traditionally male-dominated field. At just 28, I hope to inspire women to embrace leadership with authenticity, challenge outdated norms, and redefine what success looks like by staying true to their unique strengths and vision.
WOMEN IN SPORTS
Nadeen Yateem
Receiving this recognition is a reminder that dreams are attainable with hard work, resilience, and believing in yourself. As a Bahraini woman in a male-dominated sport, I hope to inspire others to break boundaries, chase their passion, and never let anything hold them back from reaching their full potential.
