Dr. Suzanne Al-Qalini to Zoom Africa News: “Arab Women Inspirations” is building a network for empowerment and entrepreneurship for Arab women and boosting the regional economy | Interview

Interview by Mohamed Omran

With the growing interest in empowering Arab women and enhancing their role in economic and social development, the «Arab Inspirations» initiative stands out as one of the initiatives aimed at highlighting influential female role models in the Arab world, and supporting them to turn their successes into applicable and scalable inspirational stories.

This initiative comes within the framework of a broader vision to promote women’s entrepreneurship and build bridges of cooperation between Arab countries through an economic development project bearing the slogan «Made in the Arab Region», which contributes to supporting local production and opening new markets regionally and internationally.

In this interview, we discuss with Dr. Suzanne Al-Qalini, head of the "Arab Inspirations" initiative, the initiative's main objectives, the criteria for selecting participants, and her vision for the future of Arab women's empowerment in light of current challenges and opportunities.

What is the main objective of the «Arab Inspirations» initiative that you recently launched?

The “Arab Women Inspirations” initiative aims to discover and highlight influential Arab women role models and connect them to an Arab network for collaboration and integration, transforming individual success stories into a collective force capable of creating a developmental, economic, and cultural impact on Arab societies. We are not just looking for successes, but for role models who can inspire others and drive change.

How do you explain the concept of “inspiration is a process, not a coincidence”?

True inspiration does not come from a fleeting success story, but from a journey filled with challenges, learning, and continuous work. Therefore, we believe that every successful woman has an experience that others can benefit from, and that inspiration becomes more valuable when it turns into a practical model that can be replicated and utilized.

Do you think that the empowerment of Arab women has reached a stage of maturity?

Arab women have achieved great accomplishments in recent decades in various fields, but we still have greater opportunities ahead. The current empowerment phase is a transitional phase from proving ability to maximizing influence, and from participation to decision-making and leadership.

How can success stories be transformed into a sustainable social impact force?

Through documentation, training, guidance, and knowledge transfer, “Arab Inspirations” works to transform individual experiences into applicable training content and experiences, so that new generations of women and girls can benefit from them.

What role does role modeling play in changing the culture of new generations?

Role models are the most powerful means of change, and when a girl sees an Arab woman who has succeeded despite the challenges, she realizes that success is possible. Therefore, we are keen to present real role models from different countries and disciplines.

How is the concept of learning by simulation applied within the initiative?

Through meetings, workshops and mentoring programs, participants learn about real-world practical experiences and learn from both successes and failures, which saves them many years of trial and error.

To what extent does the initiative focus on entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship is one of the main pillars of the initiative, as it empowers women to create job opportunities, achieve economic independence, and contribute to sustainable development.

What are the most promising sectors for Arab women?

Technology, the digital economy, creative industries, education, media, health, handicrafts and heritage industries, and social investment are sectors in which Arab women have proven to be very successful.

How can small businesses become regional or global?

Through quality, innovation, digital marketing, exporting, and brand building, the initiative's role comes in providing networks, support, training, and opening markets.

What are the criteria for selecting participants in “Arab Inspirations”?

The criteria are based on real achievement, societal impact, sustainability, ability to inspire, and willingness to engage in community service and pass on experiences to others.

Are you focusing on achievement or fame?

We focus on achievement and actual impact. There are women who have made a big change in their communities without having a wide media presence, and these are among the most important role models we are looking for.

How is societal impact assessed?

By measuring the number of beneficiaries, the sustainability of initiatives, the extent of change the applicant has made in her professional or community environment, in addition to documented certificates and achievements.

Is an existing project required?

It is preferable for the applicant to have practical experience, an existing project, or a real achievement on the ground, because the initiative celebrates models that have already proven successful.

How are achievements verified?

By reviewing documents, links, published works, professional resumes, and conducting personal interviews when necessary.

Why were only 34 women selected out of 308 applicants from 13 countries?

Because we believe that quality is more important than quantity, the selection process was very precise with the aim of building a strong core that includes exceptional models capable of representing the initiative and achieving its goals.

What is the message behind this strict choice?

Joining “Arab Inspirations” is not just an honor, but a responsibility, a mission, and an active participation in development and community service.

How do you ensure fairness and transparency?

Through declared standards, a collective review of applications, and reliance on documented achievements, far removed from personal relationships or fame.

What is the idea behind the “Made in the Arab Region” project?

It is an economic development project that aims to support Arab products and services offered by women, promote joint Arab economic cooperation, and highlight the Arab productive identity under one umbrella.

How does standardized packaging contribute to strengthening Arab identity?

When an Arab product has a shared visual identity, it gains more strength in global markets and enhances confidence in the Arab product.

Could it become a global Arab brand?

Yes, if Arab efforts are integrated and standards of quality, marketing and innovation are adhered to, we have enormous potential that qualifies us for that.

How will the inspirational women be supported after selection?

Through training, marketing, networking, building partnerships, organizing exhibitions and events, and opening new channels for marketing and exporting.

What is the role of digital transformation?

Digital transformation is no longer an option but a necessity, so the initiative launched the “Handmade Inspirations” platform to market the products and services of inspirational women and support their digital presence.

How can the initiative be linked to African and global markets?

Through international ambassadors, regional partnerships, participation in international exhibitions, and the use of e-commerce and digital marketing tools.

What are the main challenges facing female entrepreneurs?

Funding, market access, marketing, brand building, and sometimes limited professional networks.

How can it be overcome?

Through integration between state institutions, the private sector and civil society, and by providing training, funding and career guidance programs.

What is your vision for the future of the Arab women's economy?

I am very optimistic. Arab women have become an essential partner in development, and I expect that in the coming years we will witness significant growth in the size of women-led projects and their economic impact.

How can “Arab Women Inspirations” be transformed into a sustainable regional platform?

By building a broad Arab network of expertise, launching joint projects, and providing sustainable training, marketing and investment services that serve women in various Arab countries.

What message would you like to convey to Arab women?

I believe that every woman possesses the power to create change. Don't wait for opportunity, create it. Don't be content with personal success; let your success be a bridge for other women to cross towards a better future. Every successful woman can be an inspiration, and every inspirational woman has the power to change the lives of many.