Exclusive Postcard Collection by Azra Khamissa

The collection, available on the Flowwow website and app from August 21 to August 28, showcases a unique postcard design by Azra Khamissa. The design symbolizes childhood wonder and the strength of women, with imagery including an orange tree representing good fortune and determination, alongside simple flowers that signify beauty and purity. These postcards are intended to inspire women to reconnect with their inner child and reflect on their personal journeys and achievements.

Azra Khamissa’s Inspirational Vision

Azra Khamissa expressed her motivation behind the collection by stating, “As a woman, I believe our strength lies in our emotions and our abilities to feel and care for those around us. Consequently, through this collaboration, I hope to inspire other girls and women to follow their passions and realize their potential in any space they choose.”

Curated Gift Selection

In addition to the postcards, Azra has curated a selection of gifts that embody the essence of her artistic designs. These items will also be available on the Flowwow platform during the same period, offering customers the opportunity to purchase meaningful gifts that celebrate Emirati women.

Aligning with Flowwow’s Core Values

Flowwow’s Chief Operating Officer, Vera Modenova, highlighted the alignment of this collaboration with the company’s core values, emphasizing their commitment to supporting local sellers, empowering female entrepreneurs, and fostering creativity and leadership within the community.

UAE’s Gender Equality Milestones

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality. Notably, the 2024 World Bank report highlights that the UAE ranks seventh globally and first in the MENA region for advancing gender balance. In particular, women make up 66 percent of the public sector workforce. Moreover, 30 percent of women hold leadership roles, while 15 percent occupy technical and academic positions. Thus, this collaboration reflects the UAE’s commitment to enhancing gender equality and celebrating the achievements of women.

The Flowwow x Azra Khamissa collection is a testament to the power of art and collaboration in celebrating the achievements and potential of women in the UAE.

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Mila Smart Semeshkina Reflects on the Success of the WE Convention

Mila Smart Semeshkina, Founder of the Women’s Empowerment Council and a keynote speaker at the WE Convention, shares her insights from the event: ‘We aimed for the WE Convention to stand out from other events. Our goal was to create a valuable platform for learning, finding your path, and gaining inspiration—and we succeeded. I look forward to seeing all the participants return next year to share the amazing results they have achieved. I would also be delighted to welcome some of you to the stage. Because we are women, and we can achieve anything!’

Exploring Diverse Perspectives and Empowering Discussions

Over the course of two days, a total of 23 sessions took place on the main stage, addressing a broad spectrum of topics from female leadership to artificial intelligence, and from financial independence to the metaverse. The sessions also explored career advice, personal branding, and style. The WE Convention lineup included members of the MENA region royal families HH Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, HH Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, HH Sayyida Basma Al Said, HH Sheikha Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, tennis champion and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova, singer, supermodel and the former first lady of France Carla Bruni, digital entrepreneur Karen Wazen, actress Meryem Uzerli, CEO of Maison Schiaparelli Delphine Bellini, psychologists Louise Lambert and Elina Landman, and high-ranking executives from KraftHeinz, TikTok, Microsoft, Visa, Mastercard, and Duolingo, among others.

Empowering Engagement at the WE Convention: Roundtables, Workshops, and Personalized Coaching

Participants had the opportunity to engage in 12 roundtable discussions, each lasting 50 minutes, with industry leaders. These sessions provided a platform to address pressing business and societal issues. Furthermore, five workshops provided attendees with opportunities to delve deeper into areas of interest, perfect their skills, explore new developmental avenues, and express their creativity. Topics covered ranged from negotiation techniques to social media engagement.

A total of 42 one-on-one coaching sessions were conducted by industry professionals in the Mentoring Zone, powered by the Female Factor, a global community for future female leaders. Participants had the opportunity to elevate their careers by securing a 15-minute meeting with the right mentor. These sessions featured industry leaders from fields such as tech, design, health, neuroscience, and the creative minds behind your favorite brands.

Cultivating Wellness and Support: The Serenity Corner and Partnerships at the WE Convention

Over two days at the WE Convention, the unique ‘Serenity Corner’ by Whispers of Serenity Clinic of Oman provided a wellbeing pit stop, offering a space to pause, recharge, and prepare for new opportunities. In addition to helping over 150 women take a much-needed mental break and reflect on personal matters, the corner also offered positive affirmations to take home, a mental health check-in, and a quiz to assess self-confidence levels impacting their career growth.

The Women’s Empowerment Convention is possible due to the invaluable support of our partners: international educational platform Lectera.com, TikTok, jewelry house EIRINE, KraftHeinz and wardrobe & style consultancy Better Ask Anna.

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Scheduled to open on Thursday, Jan. 18, the showcase will kick off with an opening reception from 5-7:30 p.m. Visitors can explore over 40 contemporary paintings and 42 historical photographs from the private collection of Dr David Nalin. The exhibition is a unique amalgamation of traditional and modern, bridging the gap between centuries-old Nepali artistry and the contemporary visions of 13 talented Nepali artists.

This unprecedented exhibition runs until Tuesday, March 19, allowing art enthusiasts to experience the diverse narratives and unique perspectives encapsulated within the featured works. Operating hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the URBN Annex (3401 Filbert St.).

The spotlight is on 13 contemporary Nepali artists, including Sabin Acharya, Sabita Dangol, Ajaya Deshar, Krishna Lama, Roshan Pradhan, Rajan Pant, Ishan Pariyar, Jasmie Rajbhandari, Uddab Raj Rimal, Shiva Kumar Sharma, Prithvi Shrestha, and Erina Tamrakar. These artists, gaining international acclaim, showcase a distinctive style characterized by the harmonious fusion of traditional elements and modern aesthetics.

Themes such as individual and cultural identity, gender equality, conflicts and crises, and the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity echo strongly in the exhibited works. Pia Brancaccio, PhD, an art history professor at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, emphasizes that these artists tackle questions of belonging, globalization’s impact, and the preservation of cultural heritage amid rapid change.

Complementing the contemporary paintings are 42 early photographs from late 19th- and early 20th-century Nepal. These photographs, part of Dr. David Nalin’s extensive collection, provide a historical perspective on the evolution of visual language in Nepal. The images capture a transformative period in the country’s history, offering glimpses into architecture, landscapes, and the lifestyles of Nepali and colonial elites during the Rana period (1846–1951).

Dr. David Nalin, an art collector and physician, began his Asian art collection during his assignment to former East Pakistan in the late 1960s. Over 12 years working in South Asia, he became acquainted with traditional and modern Nepali culture, forming connections with contemporary artists whose works now grace this exhibition.

In addition to the visual feast, a day-long symposium on Saturday, Feb. 24, will delve into the exhibition’s themes. Speakers, including Ajay Sinha, PhD, Kerry Brown, PhD, and Gautam Vajracharya, PhD, will explore Nepali art’s cultural and historical dimensions. The symposium, open to the public with reservations, will conclude with a roundtable featuring the participating artists.

This pioneering exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the contemporary Nepali art scene and serves as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of Nepal’s artistic legacy. Art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike are invited to immerse themselves in the vibrant expressions of Nepal at the Pearlstein Gallery.

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For centuries, the art world was dominated by male artists, with women facing numerous barriers to entry and recognition. Societal expectations and limited opportunities meant that women were often discouraged from pursuing careers in the arts. Access to art education was restricted, and women were often denied admission to prestigious academies or art schools. Despite these obstacles, many women found alternative avenues to express their artistic talents, often through domestic crafts or amateur art societies.

It was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that significant progress was made in the fight for gender equality in the art world. The suffrage movement and the rise of feminist ideologies paved the way for women to demand their rightful place in the art scene. Women artists began to challenge conventions, seeking recognition and equal opportunities for artistic expression.

One of the pioneering figures in this movement was Artemisia Gentileschi, an Italian Baroque painter. Gentileschi defied gender expectations by focusing on historical and biblical themes and depicting strong, empowered women in her paintings. Her work not only showcased her exceptional talent but also became a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

In the early 20th century, the feminist art movement gained momentum, highlighting the need for gender equality in the art world. Artists such as Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Lee Krasner emerged as trailblazers, challenging traditional notions of art, and forging their own unique paths. They tackled themes of identity, sexuality, and personal experiences, bringing a fresh perspective to the art scene.

However, despite the advancements made by these pioneering women, gender inequality persists in the art world. Women artists continue to face challenges such as underrepresentation in major exhibitions, galleries, and museum collections. They often receive lower prices for their artwork compared to their male counterparts and struggle to secure the same level of recognition and critical acclaim.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to address these disparities and create a more inclusive and diverse art world. Art institutions, galleries, and curators are making conscious efforts to showcase and promote the work of women artists. Initiatives such as the Guerrilla Girls, a feminist collective, have been instrumental in exposing gender and racial biases in the art world and advocating for greater representation.

The importance of recognizing and supporting women in the art world goes beyond mere representation. Women bring unique perspectives, experiences, and narratives that enrich the artistic landscape. Their art challenges societal norms, sheds light on important social issues, and provides a platform for marginalized voices. By embracing and celebrating the work of women artists, we broaden our understanding of art, culture, and humanity.

Furthermore, the presence of women in the art world serves as an inspiration and catalyst for future generations. When young girls see successful women artists, they are encouraged to pursue their own creative passions and break free from traditional gender roles. By empowering women artists, we foster a more inclusive and equitable society where creativity and talent can flourish irrespective of gender.

In conclusion, women have played a vital role in shaping the art world throughout history, overcoming significant barriers, and leaving indelible marks on the artistic landscape. Their contributions are not only a testament to their talent and resilience but also a reflection of the broader fight for gender equality. By acknowledging and supporting women artists, we not only rectify historical injustices but also create a more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive art world that benefits us all. It is imperative that we continue to champion women in the art world, giving them the recognition and opportunities, they deserve.

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Taking place in Dubai from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 next year, the Women’s Pavilion will host an array of events, programming and meaningful dialogues that will not only enhance knowledge and understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment, but also invites visitors from around the world to join the making of a new world.

Celebrating the significant contributions of women, the pavilion will demonstrate an important principle: when women thrive, all of humanity thrives. It will highlight important contributions women have made in advancing societies, as well as the challenges women still face, especially as the world navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic and works toward a more sustainable future.

Breaking stereotypes and deconstructing misconceptions on women’s roles, the pavilion will raise awareness by showcasing both female and male contributors to women’s empowerment and gender equality, inspiring visitors of all ages to become change-makers within their own communities and beyond.

Reem Al Hashimy, director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Cyrille Vigneron, chief executive of Cartier International, discussed Expo 2020’s role in offering a global platform to empower women and girls and to drive awareness of the Sustainable Development Goal of gender equality and women’s empowerment during a conversation with Becky Anderson, anchor for CNN.

Across the six months of Expo, the Women’s Pavilion will host an array of events, programming and meaningful dialogues that will not only enhance knowledge and understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment, but also drive tangible, collaborative action that can be shared with the world.

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