CNN Arabic’s Her Story Initiative Marks Three Years of Celebrating Inspirational Arab Women
Platform showcases the journey of many influential women to date
8 March 2024, Dubai, UAE – CNN Arabic’s multi-platform editorial and training initiative, Her Story (Hikayatoha), marks its third anniversary of amplifying the unheard voices of Arab women, celebrating their triumphs, and exploring their challenges and learning experiences. To date, the initiative has showcased the journeys of tens of remarkable Arab women from across the region.
Venturing across the Arab world to uncover stories both grand and modest, CNN Arabic’s Her Story has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of women who might otherwise remain unheard.
Caroline Faraj, CNN Arabic’s VP and Editor-in-Chief, remarked, “As we celebrate the third anniversary of Her Story, we are reminded of the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world. By bringing these women’s stories to the forefront, we not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire others to realize their potential. Our commitment to these stories reflects our dedication to help equip women across the Arab world, ensuring they are heard, respected, and celebrated.”
Some of the inspiring stories of remarkable Arab womenfeatured on the platform include:
A young Saudi woman with a rare skin condition, Abrar uses her social media platform and has published books to offer inspiration and support to millions facing similar struggles, proving that challenges can’t hinder the impact one can make.Abrar told Her Story the details of her struggles but remained with a positive outlook throughout.
Sudanese-American poet, activist, and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Emi utilizes her voice and actions to champion those in need. She shared with the Her Story team her journey using slam poetry as a form of global protest for women and refugees.
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Emirati artist Moza has overcome challenges to thrive at the Art for All Center since 2017. Her vibrant style and talent, showcased in Her Story, make her a beacon of inspiration, proving that artistic expression can bloom in unexpected ways.
Egyptian entrepreneur, Rana has revolutionized the tech world by pioneering Affectiva, a device that analyzes facial expressions to enhance human-computer interaction. Now utilized by leading global companies, this invention, as highlighted in Her Story, signifies a leap forward in understanding and bridging human connections.
Dareen Al Omari, CNN Arabic journalist and producer, has been at the forefront of Her Story, working alongside a star team and overseeing content. Over the past three years, her work has been instrumental in navigating the platform’s direction, focusing on the richness of Arab women’s narratives. Al Omari reflects on the journey, stating, “The stories of women in the Arab world are not just integral to its culture; they are vibrant, compelling, and crucial to our collective narrative. Her Story has illuminatedthese narratives and celebrated their significant contributions to the Arab world and beyond.”
In addition to showcasing inspirational stories, CNN Arabic has committed to offering free-of-charge storytelling training to women-led NGOs in the Arab world. This ongoing effort has already equipped over 150 Arab women with vital storytelling skills, enhancing their ability to share impactful narratives. Samya Ayish, CNN Arabic contributor and trainer, has played a crucial role in this training, embodying CNN Arabic’scommitment to giving women a chance to tell their own stories.
Her Story (Hikayatoha) stories are published periodically on the dedicated page on https://arabic.cnn.com/specials/her-story
