5 inspiring women from Saudi Arabia

1 – Wajeha Al Huwaider, writer and feminist activist

A pioneer in the struggle for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, writer Wajeha Al Huwaider has played a key role in denouncing the male guardianship system. But not only that! In 2011, as a member and activist of the Human Rights Watch advisory board, she campaigned for Saudi women to obtain the right to drive, through the Women2Drive campaign. Wajeha Al Huwaider is known for her activism beyond the kingdom’s borders, calling out to the international media.

2 – Maha Taher, activist and marketing manager

Today, Maha Taher is a digital marketing manager at 77 Media, a company specializing in video production and social networking. But in 2009, at the age of 25, Maha Taher already made a name for herself with the charity Youth Initiative Group, which she co-founded. Working for the poorest, Maha Taher is also an activist who fights for gender equality in her country.

3 – Selwa al-Hazza, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology

Another inspiring woman from Saudi Arabia is Selwa al-Hazza. Considered one of the most influential personalities in the kingdom, she has a fascinating success story. Born and raised in the United States, where she studied medicine, the young woman decided to pursue her career in Saudi Arabia. Since then, her career path has taken her to the position of head of the ophthalmology department at King Faisal Hospital in Riyadh.

4 – Enas Hashani, director of a press group

Enas Hashani, head of the Rumman media group in Jeddah, won the best start-up award in 2010. She is an inspiring woman whose primary goal was to give the youth of the region a new dynamic and contribute to improving the city in which she grew up. She then launched Destination Jeddah. A magazine gathering the best addresses, cultural events and the latest news of the Saudi city.

5 – Nimah Ismail Nawwab, poet and feminist activist

Nimah Ismail Nawwab is an internationally acclaimed poet, writer, photographer and activist who has been dubbed “the voice of young Arab women and youth. She is an advocate for many causes, including the empowerment of women and youth, bringing social, professional and educational issues to the forefront. One of her books, The Unfurling, published in 2004, is the first collection of poems by a Saudi woman to be published in the United States. A portrait that closes in beauty this top 5 inspiring women of Saudi Arabia.