Many thanks to Dr. Hashim Hussein and UNIDO Bahrain for nominating these successful women from the Middle East region.  Congratulations, ladies!

Assa Fahmy,Chairwoman & Creative Director, Azza Fahmy Jewelry, www.azzafahmy.com

Almost 50 years ago Azza Fahmy began her jewelry company, translating the region’s culture and international art and historic references to the world, through contemporary jewellery design that reflects her unique research approach and craftsmanship preservation.   The company is recognized for establishing Egypt’s luxury market and for their  handcrafted jewellery, created with locally sourced 18ct Gold, Sterling Silver and their trade-mark unique metal mix combination of 18ct Gold and Sterling Silver, with stones are from India. They have 14 retail stores and outlets in London and NYC. Her daughters also work in the business. She is noted as one of Egypt’s most influential women.

The company currently does business in Egypt, the MENA countries, London & the US.  They wish to expand more globally with additional pop-up stores and to venture into products not limited to jewelry.

Fadia Suliman Hussein, Co-Founder, Suliman Hussein Academy

Fadia is school principal, entrepreneur, and civically active citizen. She worked for the Bank of Khartoum for 10 years as an accountant before pursuing her passion in the educational sector, starting Suliman Academy with her sister.

Fadia enjoys volunteer work and also wrote four books for preschool and kindergarten.  She serves as the deputy financial secretary for the Room of Health, Education and Training Services and helped to translate books for 8th & 11th grades with the Ministry of Education. In addition to being the president for the Kindergarten Association in the chamber of commerce for the Khartoum province.

Fadwa Suliman Hussein, Co-Founder, Suliman Hussein Academy

Fadwa has two degrees, one in Architecture and one in Accounting. She joined an Architectural Office for 9 years and left to start work in a Kindergarten in 1989 where she “found herself in teaching kids.” She went on to start her own kindergarten with her twin sister in 1994 and then added Nursery, Primary and Secondary sections, becoming Suliman Hussien Academy. Fadwa is an executive member in the education union, a member of the steering committee for translating books for the Sudanese curriculum, a board member for Normiss mining company, a member in the Arab women leadership union, and a member in Arab Investors Union.

The company, an international school, is engaged in education in the Sudan.  It hopes to expand in the region through continued education and through establishing educational publications.

The awards will be presented during IWEC’s 2020 Annual Conference being held on November 9th & 10th virtually.  Join us to learn more about Sustainability in the New Decade, network and join us in honoring the full array of IWEC’s 2020 Awardees.