DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – One is an American journalist and the other is an Emirati businesswoman. And together, they’re breaking down boundaries to unite for a universal cause: female empowerment.
At a joint celebration at The Arts Club on Tuesday night, the two inspirational women leaders shared how they rose to the top and how they pave the way for other women to follow in their footsteps.
Hosted by Moroccan entrepreneur Nezha Alaoui, the event featured Jessica Michault, Deputy Editor of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Harper’s Bazaar Saudi, along with Muna Al Gurg, Deputy Chairman and Retail Director of UAE business conglomerate Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group.
Part of Northeastern University’s Women Who Empower: Our World series, the event addressed mentoring, misunderstanding and the media and inspired attendees including students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni. A similar event took place in London last week.
Clemence Cazeau, a young global leader from the North East and CEO of arts concept 37xDubai, introduced the speakers and paid tribute to the pioneering women before her.
“The Women Who Empower initiative is about bringing diverse and inclusive communities together to empower a better world,” she said. “It encompasses everything from entrepreneurship and the Innovator Awards to events and mentorships aimed at empowering its members to drive change and make a meaningful impact.”
From boardrooms to breaking down entrenched beliefs
Al Gurg, one of Forbes’ 50 Most Influential Women in the Middle East, first spoke about her passion for women’s rights in the Arab world and beyond.
“My background has been in business for the past 20 years, but my passion has been youth empowerment,” she said. “The milestone for me came in 2010 when I was selected to be part of the Aspen Middle East Leadership Initiative and it really got me thinking about the legacy I wanted to leave behind. I am very, very passionate about women’s rights.”
As the daughter of a prominent businessman, AI Gurg was welcomed into the family businesses and encouraged by her male relatives. Throughout her career, she has used her position to promote women who have not been so lucky.
“I think a lot of women face cultural barriers in this part of the world,” she said. “It’s not about dominating the country, it’s about the culture of society, which sometimes encounters obstacles.
“For example, a girl is smarter than her brother, but she is not allowed to go abroad to study. Those are the types of societal obstacles that women face, and that’s why you see a lot of women who are actually more determined because of those obstacles.
“Nevertheless, this region is very open and encouraging for women. So if you are interested, you can really go anywhere.”
Flipping the perceptions through publications
In 2015 she launched the Muna Al Gurg Scholarship for Arab Women at London Business School. She has since taken on a role on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ Sustainability Council and is Chair of Young Arab Leaders, a non-profit organization that provides employment opportunities for young people in the region.
And the mission continues closer to home, with ongoing initiatives to create a progressive female framework within her family’s Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, which has been involved in retail, lifestyle, construction and real estate for more than 60 years.
Today, Al Gurg is working on establishing her foundation for Arab women and girls, and she believes male perceptions need to change in order for women to fulfill their potential.
“One of the things that needs to change in the world is how men perceive women, and the only way we can do that is through the media, and that’s what Harper’s Bazaar is doing,” she said. “It plays a crucial role in influencing and influencing how people perceive women. It is my passion to provide a platform for more Arab women.”
The sentiment was shared by Michault, who spoke of her work elevating the voices of women in publications around the world.
The American writer began her career in Paris at the International Herald Tribune under the direction of legendary fashion journalist Suzy Menkes. After starting out as Menkes’ assistant, Michault worked through the ranks to become the publication’s first online style editor.
Her mentorship had a lasting impact on Michault’s award-winning career and instilled a deep appreciation for women who support one another – a legacy she hopes to continue to this day.
“There’s been a real mental shift in women who want to support and uplift other women, and that’s my experience,” she said. “We don’t feel like there’s just one place left for one woman, and unfortunately that wasn’t always the case.”
Mentoring never goes out of style
For Michault, fashion writing is about more than just runway shows and clothes. Instead, she hopes to provide a platform for emerging designers and tell their stories to the world.
“I was guided by a mentor who showed me the basics and really educated me on all aspects of fashion and what fashion can do,” she said. “Fashion is amazing and going to shows is amazing, but for me, my beginning and end is telling amazing stories about women and making sure the rest of the world knows how amazing those women are.”
Alongside their achievements, both women spoke about their past failures and encouraged young female entrepreneurs to embrace their mistakes and continue to pursue their dreams.
“In the past, if you had a big failure, it was very hard to come back from it, whereas now failure is part of the success,” Michault said. “It’s a learning point in your career and has given people the opportunity to venture out in ways that weren’t possible in the past.”
The event ended with a very important message.
“You have one life, so do with it what you will,” Michault said. “Follow this dream and be passionate about it. Just do it because there is only one.”
