Inspirational Kuwaiti Women
Kuwait has made significant steps in promoting gender equality and empowering women, thanks to the efforts of pioneering women who have worked to bring about change in the country's political, cultural, and social spheres. In light of International Women's Day, it is important to shed the light on some of the most prominent Kuwaiti women who are paving the way for future generations.
Here is a list of some influential and inspirational Kuwaiti women:
HRH Sheikha Intisar AlSabah
Sheikha Intisar Salem Al Ali AlSabah, a member of the royal family, is a woman of many talents and accomplishments. She is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, author, film producer, columnist and more. She is also a role model for Arab women, known for her strong leadership and decision-making skills. One of her most significant achievements is the founding of Alnowair, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting positivity in her home country. This initiative is considered her most significant contribution to date.
HRH Sheikha Bashayer Al Sabah-Arab
Sheikha Bashayer Al Sabah-Arab is a successful businesswoman and honorary president of the Arab Fashion Council in Kuwait. She's passionate about charities and her entrepreneurial skills gained her popularity among many people as a lifestyle iconic figure and a social media influencer.
Sheikha Khaled Al Bahar
Al Bahar is the Deputy Group CEO of National Bank of Kuwait Group (NBK). She has been Deputy Group CEO of NBK since March 2014 and is Chairperson of NBK Egypt and NBK France. In 2022, Al Bahar was honored with an award for her Distinguished Services to Arab Banking from the Arab Bankers Association. Al Bahar ranked first in Kuwait and fourth regionally in Forbes Middle East's annual list of the most powerful businesswomen for 2023.
Montaha Al-Ajeel
A Kuwaiti fashion designer who took the fashion world by storm, leaving a lasting impression during her first appearance at Paris Fashion Week. She went on to create exceptional haute couture dresses and was honored with various esteemed awards in the Arab region. Through her work, she has become an inspiration and a model for others in her distinctive approach.
Rana Al-Nibari
Rana Al-Nibari is the Managing Director of The Scientific Center in Kuwait, promoting STEM education. She was previously the CEO of Injaz-Kuwait and held various positions at the Global Investment House. Rana has also served on the boards of multiple companies in the MENA region.
Hend AlMatrouk
Hend AlMatrouk is a Kuwaiti architect, and the CEO and co-founder of Studio Toggle, an award-winning architecture firm based in Kuwait. She has achieved numerous groundbreaking achievements. Alongside her partner, Gijo Paul George, she has been the driving force behind the design, site supervision, and planning of the firm's projects. Her work has been exhibited in numerous prestigious venues, including the 2010 Venice Biennale and Essence 2011 at MAK, Vienna. AlMatrouk was named “Young Architect of the Year in 2017” by the Middle East Architecture magazine in recognition of her significant contributions to the urban fabric of the GCC. Studio Toggle has expanded its reach, establishing a branch in Portugal in 2016.