Determination. Resilience. Progress. These are the traits that empower every successful individual. Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s largest investment managers, wanted to highlight women that embody these traits with “Women of Progress” – its latest video campaign. Created in collaboration with Mashable Middle East, the captivating video series shines a spotlight on the extraordinary accomplishments of women in the United Arab Emirates who have defied norms, shattered stereotypes, and made significant strides in their respective fields.
Comprising four inspiring episodes, each unveiling the incredible journey of an exceptional achiever, the "Women of Progress" video series introduces audiences to remarkable women that are the true champions of progress. From entrepreneurs to athletes, each of these individuals has left an indelible mark in her industry.
Meet the exceptional “Women of Progress”:
Founder and CEO of MENA Speakers, Saana Azzam's story is a testament to resilience and determination. Saana embraced the challenges that came with juggling the roles of a mother and a successful entrepreneur, defying societal expectations to carve her path to success and inspiring countless others along the way.
As the founder of Baytukum, Latifa Bin Haider embarked on a mission to empower women and make a positive impact on society at the young age of 19. Latifa caught hold of her dreams early on and turned them into reality. Through her platform, she equips women with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the world of real estate investment and achieve financial independence and autonomy.
UAE women's national football team member Areej Al Hammadi’s love for football burned brightly from a young age, but she was repeatedly told that the sport was not meant for girls. Undeterred by these limiting beliefs, Areej fearlessly overcame the prejudices to secure a spot on the UAE national team. Her journey serves as a reminder that true progress happens when we break free from the shackles of societal expectations and pursue our dreams with unwavering determination.
Kamiya Jani, founder of Curly Tales, took a leap of faith when she established a food, travel and lifestyle content platform that would make a mark in the industry. When faced with uncertainty, she made the bold decision to launch Curly Tales in the UAE, venturing into a market unfamiliar to her. Kamiya embodies entrepreneurial spirit and hunger for growth, forging forward even when the outcome was uncertain.
To shed further light on this remarkable initiative, Sammar Verma, CEO of Mashable Middle East, expressed, “This campaign is something very close to our hearts.” Emphasising the significance of Women of Progress, Verma adds, “We believe that the workforce, in general, needs to be more inclusive of both genders.” Further elaborating on the transformative power of women in leadership roles, Verma highlighted, “Women in leadership roles bring empathy and a people-centric approach, which is often missing in workplaces. This is precisely why we consider this campaign interesting and important, with a powerful message – to celebrate women who are leading change across different industries and spaces.”
Balaaji Vaidyanathan, Director - Marketing, CEEMEA, Franklin Templeton shared his perspective on the inspiration behind the "Women of Progress" series, saying, "Through these videos, we aim to inspire and motivate viewers by showcasing the remarkable achievements of these women. Their stories serve as a reminder that with courage, passion, and perseverance, one can overcome any challenge and make a significant impact. We hope these videos will inspire individuals to pursue their dreams fearlessly."
Balaaji further emphasized the connection between the "Women of Progress" series and the UAE's progress, stating, "The UAE has fostered a society that encourages innovation, diversity, and gender equality. The 'Women of Progress' series aligns with the UAE's vision by celebrating the accomplishments of extraordinary women who have embraced the spirit of progress and contributed to society’s growth. We aim to highlight the remarkable achievements of women in the UAE who have shattered barriers and become an inspiration for others.”
Balaaji encourages viewers to celebrate these extraordinary journeys by watching and sharing the "Women of Progress" stories.
