Women are the cornerstone of all society, and they are the driving force behind our progress and expansion. They continue to inspire future generations and provide the world with a wealth of skill and innovative ideas. On this International Women’s Day, the world joins together to honor women all over the world and shed light on the problems they have faced throughout the years. This is also a day to honor women’s social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments.
For this reason, we’re honoring six women who have advanced and created excellent work in their areas while also working to eliminate bias, stereotypes, and discrimination against women.
Mona Zaki
Mona Zaki, the iconic Egyptian actress, has been a force to be reckoned with, as her films have lit a flame that has enhanced the Egyptian film industry. She is a multi-talented actress who is also inspiring younger generations to pursue their dreams and passions. Aside from being an actress, Zaki engaged in a number of UNICEF campaigns. For example, in 2017, she teamed up with UNICEF to raise awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM), stating on social media that this is an act that cannot be justified on the basis of religion or tradition, and that it is a clear violation of human rights.
Nadine Labaki
A remarkable Lebanese actor and director, Nadine Labaki directed “Capernaum,” which won her an Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Her great work is a source of pride for all Arab women because she is an activist with a keen awareness of global events. Labaki, who is one of the region’s most active women’s rights advocates, focuses on gender disparity in her upcoming documentary film, Women of Wonder in collaboration with Women’s Pavilion (EXPO 2020 DUBAI). This is a documentary film that takes the spectator on a journey to learn more about the lives of young women who are bringing about change in the world through new inventions. Labaki’s work in the film industry demonstrates her commitment to ending all of the injustices and inequalities that women suffer on a daily basis.
Hend Sabri
The Tunisian actress, Hend Sabri, is one of the most well-known in the region, if not the entire world! Her performances in films like “Asmaa,” in which she represents some of the hardships that Egyptian women confront. In addition, her most recent series, “Finding Ola,” in which she plays a divorcée who is forging her own path and building a business with her children. However, we can’t forget her performance in “Noura’s Dream,” in which she played a woman seeking a happy life and trying to move on from her abusive husband, who ended up in jail with a wanted divorce pending. Sabri clearly portrayed diverse parts and spoke to many women through her films, which depicted society’s harshness toward them.
Mariam Naoum
Mariam Naoum is an award-winning scriptwriter and a strong campaigner for women’s rights in Egypt. Her work focuses on women’s issues and addresses socioeconomic challenges. Her writings are mostly concerned with issues that women face in our society, such as female genital mutilation, early marriage, sexual harassment, and violence against women.
Kamla Abu Zikry
With her films and shows such as “Wahed Sefr” or “Segn al- Nesa,” Egyptian director Kamla Abu Zikry has raised the bar for female directors. These pieces of art are about gender equality and the hardships that women of various classes face on a daily basis. Her works have influenced many individuals in the region, and Abu Zikry is a strong supporter of female equality.
Nelly Karim
Nelly Karim is an Egyptian actress who has enchanted us with a variety of roles in many genres. Her films, such as “Cairo 678” and “A Girl Named Zaat” TV show, addressed the hardships that women have experienced as well as the various socioeconomic situations that beset Egyptian culture. Her work is amazing, and she has been bringing attention to the critical problem of gender equality throughout her work.
Consider the idea of a world that celebrates women and is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. This would be the ideal world, but doesn’t it appear promising enough that we should all work together to attain it as a society? It’s a pity that we continue to accept and allow such injustices to occur while remaining silent. After all of the suffering we have inflicted on women throughout the years, speaking up and supporting them is the least we can do. Change can only occur when we, as a society, are willing to accept each other and our differences; gender differences should not be a barrier because women are the foundation of all of our communities.