Bahraini, Kuwaiti win London awards for Arab women

Ahdeya receiving her award (BNA)

By Habib Toumi

Manama: Two Gulf women have been recognized internationally for their roles that have reinforced the status of women in the Arab world and beyond it.

Bahrain Journalists’ Association (BJA) President Ahdeya Ahmed was awarded the fifth edition of the Arab Woman Prize. The London Arabia Organisation has announced the award at a major ceremony held in the British capital.

The award recognizes the achievements of the BJA president who became recently the first Arabian Gulf woman to be elected as member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Gender Council.

Maryam receiving her award (KUNA)

Kuwait’s Minister of Finance Maryam Al Aqeel was honored by the Arab Women’s Foundation in Britain in recognition of her outstanding role in the development of the government sectors.

Maryam expressed her happiness with the honor bestowed on distinguished Arab women in a number of fields.

“Arab women have become an important and influential element in all aspects of life,” she told Kuwait News Agency.

Maryam has been minister since December last year. She previously was the head of the Central Statistical Bureau.