Gulf initiative makes women the heart of their communities

An annual campaign to showcase creativity and entrepreneurialism among women in the Gulf region was launched on Tuesday to coincide with International Women's Day.

The Creative for a Cause Campaign aims at encouraging women to pursue their ambitions and become catalysts for change in their communities.

Gulf women have been asked to submit creative concepts that could spread happiness in their towns and cities, from launching new services to youth projects.

"I believe that there are no limits to what a woman can imagine and achieve. The campaign is a great platform for women in the region to embark on their much-awaited journeys," Fadia al-Taweel, campaign ambassador told the Gulf News.

The submissions will be judged by four influential women from the region including Emirati photographer and lifestyle blogger, Sarah al-Balushi, Emirati romance author, Shahd Thani, Saudi entrepreneur, Hadeel Hussain and Saudi interior designer, Esra al-Hamal.

Last year 610 women competed, and this year will be a generous 100,000 Emirati dirham ($27,224) prize.

"This year we are also collaborating with universities to integrate the cause within university programmes," said Vishal Tikku, president, Meals, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa for Mondelez International. "We want to reach out to young women who have plenty of creative ideas but no platform to develop them."