Empowering Women Through Creativity!
In a region known for its rich history and
diverse cultural landscape, the Middle East stands at the forefront of a
transformative era propelled by the remarkable achievements of its inhabitants.
Amidst this dynamic environment, the emergence of influential leaders has been
instrumental in shaping the region’s trajectory. These leaders, through their
resilience, vision, and commitment, are breaking barriers and redefining norms
across various domains.
Navigating Non-Profit Leadership in the
Middle East requires a delicate balance of strategic vision and practical
initiatives. Rajaa Moumena, esteemed for her role as a Board of
Directors member for the Fashion Association, embodies a commitment
to fostering innovation and empowerment within the Middle Eastern community.
Her leadership within this esteemed organization underscores her dedication to
advancing societal goals and nurturing talent across diverse sectors. With a
keen focus on enhancing training standards and promoting inclusive growth,
Rajaa’s initiatives resonate deeply within the realm of non-profit leadership.
Furthermore, being the Founder and President
of Future Institute of Higher Education and Training, symbolize a commitment to excellence and progress.
Through her involvement with the Fashion Association and other ventures, Rajaa’s
endeavors underscore a broader mission of empowering individuals, particularly
women, to thrive in industries traditionally underrepresented by them. As she
continues to champion initiatives that celebrate cultural creativity and
empower Saudi talent, Rajaa’s influence extends beyond organizational
boundaries, shaping a future where education, innovation, and empowerment
intersect harmoniously.
Let’s delve deeper to learn this
transformative approach:
Navigating Non-Profit Leadership in
the Middle East
Rajaa is a prominent figure within the
Middle Eastern business landscape, serving as a Board of Directors member for
the Fashion Association. This esteemed organization operates under the auspices
of The National Center for Non-Profit Sector, established by Cabinet Resolution
No. 459 on 16/4/2019. As a non-profit entity, it operates independently both
financially and administratively, with direct affiliation to the Prime Minister’s
office. Rajaa’s appointment to the board underscores her dedication to
advancing the goals and objectives of the Fashion Association, contributing her
expertise and insight to shape its strategic direction and initiatives.
Innovative Training Initiatives
Rajaa has consistently served on various
association boards, providing valuable insights into the strengths and
weaknesses of the country’s workforce. Recognizing the responsibility that
comes with societal recognition, she has continuously developed programs to
meet public expectations and empower individuals.
Two notable initiatives, “On-the-Go
Training” and “My House Step by Step,” were launched to address the growing
demand for specialized training, particularly among women, in fields such as
interior design, sales, marketing, and fashion design. These programs were
designed to be conducted physically at different locations across the kingdom,
filling gaps in available training opportunities.
With a focus on quality assurance and
program recognition, Rajaa aims to build trust among candidates and motivate
them to pursue these programs, thereby qualifying them for an increasing number
of job opportunities, particularly in fields traditionally underrepresented by
women.
Empowering Women
The International Women’s Day event marked
a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to empower women, spanning two
decades of dedicated initiatives. During this event, 15 women leaders from
diverse domains shared inspiring success stories, captivating the predominantly
female audience. Their speeches resonated deeply, igniting a fervent desire
among attendees to take on prominent roles in society, where the achievements
of women are increasingly celebrated and acknowledged.
Celebrating Cultural Creativity
The event took place in Abha, a
picturesque city in the northern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Rajaa,
as a jury member, was deeply impressed by the creativity and fashion showcased
by the women participating in the contest. Witnessing firsthand the talent and
dedication of women ranging from ages 25 to 65, she found inspiration in their
cultural pride and commitment to their craft.
The Futuristic Advancement Forum
The Futuristic Advancement Forum was a
realization of a long-held dream for Rajaa. Having attended numerous forums spanning
from 1995 to 2018, she harbored a strong desire to organize an event focused on
training concepts and the pivotal role of training in personal and intellectual
development, especially with the involvement of Technology and AI. This vision
crystallized during her attendance at “The Future” forum in Canada, which
served as a catalyst for her aspirations.
Inspired and motivated, Rajaa returned
from Canada with a clear plan of action and determined partnerships to pursue
her vision. Despite foreseeing challenges, including the need for legislative
compliance and financial acumen, she remained undeterred in her pursuit of
specific outcomes.
Through tireless efforts and meticulous planning, Rajaa orchestrated the forum’s execution, involving tasks such as securing speakers who can present blockchain and AI to the community appropriately, selecting event management companies, identifying suitable venues, budgeting, and securing sponsorships. This culminated in the successful realization of the Futuristic Advancement Forum in January 27, 2020, held in Riyadh. Rajaa was honored to have Mr. Ian Khan, Christian Kromme, and Elsa Sotiriadis as the guest Speakers.
Enhancing Training Standards
Rajaa’s involvement in committees at the
Commerce Chambers has been dedicated to enhancing the regulatory framework and
systems governed by the Ministry of Education and the Technical and Vocational
Training cooperation. Her focus has been on advocating for increased
flexibility within these regulations, allowing business owners the opportunity
to enhance their services and provide high-quality training programs.
Empowering Women Through Creativity
Rajaa’s approach to societal advancement
transcends gender distinctions, especially in light of evolving legal
frameworks permitting integrated training services for both genders. While she
has devoted considerable effort to women empowerment projects, her current
focus lies in fostering the sustainability of small-scale initiatives that
enable women to balance work and family commitments effectively.
Her dedication extends to promoting
projects that celebrate and showcase women’s creativity in design. One such endeavor
is Watan Min Dahab (Land of Gold), which was initiated in 2019. This
competition invites skilled female jewelry designers from across the kingdom to
participate. The culmination of the competition occurs during a three-day
exhibition, where esteemed local jewelers rent spaces to exhibit their
products. This platform not only provides exposure for designers but also
facilitates networking opportunities with the public and traders, fostering
potential business collaborations.
Empowering Saudi Talent
In a message directed at Saudi talent,
Rajaa emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-belief in achieving
one’s aspirations. She urges individuals not to be deterred by obstacles or
doubts but rather to pursue their dreams with determination and confidence.
Rajaa emphasizes the value of continuous improvement and steadfast dedication,
highlighting that success is a result of sustained effort and a positive
outlook. She encourages individuals to remain focused, motivated, and
resilient, emphasizing that with perseverance, any challenges can be overcome
on the path to achieving one’s goals.
Empowering Saudi Youth
In order to advance youth education and
training in Saudi Arabia, a comprehensive vision is imperative, one that
advocates for inclusive, equitable, and high-quality learning opportunities for
all. This vision must prioritize the cultivation of critical thinking,
problem-solving abilities, and creativity among the youth, alongside fostering
values of leadership, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility.
Moreover, it should underscore the
significance of providing access to relevant and high-caliber educational and
training programs tailored to meet the demands of the labor market,
particularly in burgeoning industries. This necessitates a focus on bolstering
vocational and technical education, as well as promoting digital literacy and
STEM education to equip youth with essential skills for the future.
Collaboration among government entities,
the private sector, and civil society is paramount in nurturing a conducive
ecosystem for youth education and training. This entails facilitating
mentorship programs, internships, and avenues for job placement while forging
partnerships with educational institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure alignment
with evolving market needs.
Awards and Recognition
Best Female Higher Education Facilitators
2019 -Middle East by Private Education and Development Awards 2019
MEA Markets 2021 – MEA Business Awards: Future Institute of Higher Education & Training, Jeddah for Excellence in Education & Training Western Saudi Arabia