Saudi journalist wins media leadership award

On the occasion of International Women’s day, Nawal Al-Rashid, Saudi managing editor of the female section at Al-Riyadh daily newspaper and secretary of the board of directors at the Saudi Journalist Association, won the Woman Leader in Media and Communications Excellence Award at the 12th Middle East Women Leaders Awards in Dubai on Thursday.
“I am very excited about this news for two reasons. The first is because it’s great to see a Saudi woman shining in a certain field, or within her peer members. The second reason is personal; I have to admit it is a great ego boost when you see yourself being appreciated by others, especially when it is about something you love and you feel very passionate about,” said Al-Rashid.
The women leaders award is held annually on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Al-Rashid is the first Saudi woman to be a member of the board of directors of the Saudi Journalist Associations for the first and the third rounds.
“I actually nominated myself for this award because I wanted to challenge myself and see if I would win,” said Al-Rashid. “There are certain conditions that should be fulfilled in the nominees and I found that all the terms and conditions are applicable to me, which consequently encouraged me to fill out the forms. I sent my CV, vision and mission, in addition to writing a proposal reflecting on my work experience and underlining the reasons why I should win the award,” she added.
As a journalist and managing editor, Al-Rashid exceled and served as a great leader for 35 fellow journalists in the female section of her local newspaper.
“Previously many journalists have won the award in this category for their writing, however in my unique case, my leadership and managerial philosophy earned me the award. I am very pleased to have received this recognition at a time when Saudi women are under the spotlight and the world is eager to learn more about us. This will also highlight that we are successful career women and are as capable and accomplished as our colleagues in the Arab world,” she added.
The objective of the award is to highlight and honor female professionals regionally and nationally and to celebrate their positive and participatory roles in advancing the global economy. Moreover, the award highlights the achievements and creativity of women in managing enterprises and in overcoming the obstacles that face the region and state.
Ali Al-Kamali, managing director of the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute, said at the ceremony, “In today’s global political and business environment, women have begun to enter all fields and reach positions of high authority and leadership, bringing about radical changes to their communities and the social order.”
“This prestigious award aims to pay tribute to the outstanding contributions of women trailblazers, who have made valuable efforts in inspiring and transforming the world with their indomitable willpower,” he added.