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MARCH 2016 - 15 L.E., VOLUME 11, ISSUE 6 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

ORDINARY WOMEN DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

16+

GIFTS TO SURPRISE HER ON MOTHER’S DAY

MEDIA MASTERS Inspiring Women in the Field

SPRING INTO STYLE BEAUTY NEWS

see page 20

PLUS ICONS THAT CHANGED THE HISTORY OF FASHION

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letter from the editors

Dress: Hip from First Mall, Headband: Deepa Gurnani from Villa baboushka

M

arch’s women empowerment issue is by far my favourite issue each year.

Women empowerment has been one of the top priorities for Identity since the magazine’s founding and can be found threaded into each issue. But once a year I spoil myself with an issue completely dedicated to highlighting inspiring women in Egypt and discussing the issues that affect us all. My main source of inspiration comes directly from my mother, who is the strongest woman I have ever met. She is my role model and without fail gives me new inspiration each year as I watch her overcome her challenges and struggles with an unflinching grace.

No matter how much I tried, I could never give her enough credit for making me who I am today.

Every year we try to choose from the many impressive women in our country in order to highlight their well deserved achievements and pay them their due

Model: HABIBA MEHREZ (C Town Model Management), Photographer: ABU SAMRA, Art Direction: ALIA EL ABD & YASMINE AKEF, Stylist: NOUR MADKOUR, Make-Up Artist: MARIAM WAHID, Hair Stylist: RAFI FROM AL SAGHEER, Location: ABN’GWORLD ZAMALEK, Cover Design: ALIA EL ABD

respect. Believe me, it is no easy task to choose from the many astounding women around us. This year we chose a group of women who have influenced the media through their incredible work. They are honest, hard-working women that may be from different age groups and backgrounds but they all have one thing in common: RESPONSIBILITY. This is very difficult to come across these days, but it goes a long way in influencing our society and communities. It is this type of women that inspires us to aim higher and dream bigger than we thought we could, and we would like to thank them for being a part of this very important issue.

I have one piece of advice to any girl or woman reading this issue: never give up on your dreams, never give in to obstacles that you face along the way, and learn that success needs a lot of perseverance. If you follow this, nothing will be able to stop you.

Identity Magazine was founded in 2005 by Rola Kamel to enhance every aspect of a woman’s life style, helping our female readers to discover and improve their own identities.

The subscription rate to Identity is 180 L.E. for one year (12 issues) by Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

IDENTITYMAGEG 6 Identity March 2016

masthead

MARCH VOLUME 11

ISSUE 6

IDENTITY-MAG.COM

Founder & Managing Editor ROLA KAMEL Editor-in-Chief NAWAL ISMAIL Senior Editor LIZA DUNHAM Senior Arabic Editor ADEL SALIB Copy-Editor AMINA EL FAYOUMY Staff Writers AMINA MOUSTAPHA, YASMINE AKEF Online Writers MIRANA TERA, PERY EL ETREBY, SHADWA HAMZA Relationship Expert MARWA RAKHA Psychology Expert KATE KERPEZ Fashion Expert NAHED KAZZIHA Senior Graphic Designer ALIA EL-ABD Marketing & Advertising Manager RIHAM YEHIA Digital Marketing Manager STEVE NABEEL Digital Marketing Specialists MONICA NAGY, SANDRA SWELLAM Online Advertising Consultant MARWA KAMEL Identity Magazine Distributors ASHRAF FOUAD & ESSAM IBRAHIM Website Company QPIX SOLUTIONS Distribution Company AL AHRAM Printing House INTERNATIONAL PRINTING HOUSE (IPH)

8 Identity March 2016

contents

64

HOROSCOPES

Ordinary women doing extraordinary things

28

FASHION & BEAUTY WOMEN 8 MUST-HAVES FOR MOTHERS EMPOWERMENT 20 BEAUTY NEWS 24 FASHION ICONS 28 BOLD FASHION 30 REGAL INDEPENDENCE

COLUMNS & ADVICE

12

WHERE TO TAKE HER ON MOTHER’S DAY

10 Identity March 2016

“

56 “

INSPIRING PROJECTS BY WOMEN IN EGYPT

14 AM I HIS REBOUND? 16 WHY ARE MEN & WOMEN DIFFERENT

BITS & PIECES

58 PAMPER YOUR MOTHER 60 SNAPS & PRESS RELEASES 64 HOROSCOPES

18 WHY WOMEN MAKE GOOD LEADERS 41 MEDIA MASTERS 42 HALA KHALIL 44 DINA HASHEM 46 NAYROUZ ABOUZID 48 MAY ABDEL ASIM 50 SHERRY & SABRINA 52 MAY ABD EL AZIZ 54 HADIA GHALEB

must-haves for mothers

W O R L D W I D E LO C AT I O N S

SWAROVSKI - HARLEY EARLOBE PIERCED EARRINGS “This is the ultimate mix of class and edginess.

Gift these to your mum and she’ll never take them off, guaranteed!”

AFRICA

ASIA

EUROPE

L AT I N A M E R I C A

MIDDLE EAST

NORTH AMERICA

Your Story, Our Promise…

For a Wedding Spectacle like No Other!

SAMI AMIN - ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY NECKLACE “This is one of the significant pieces for the designer Sami Amin and goes back to almost 19 years ago when he launched his brand in the Egyptian market.”

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO RUPERT GANCINI BUCKLE BOOT “These Ferragamo Boots are absolutely stunning. The signature Ferragamo buckle combined with the thick heel for comfort makes this the perfect prezzie for Mother’s Day.”

IDENTITY LOVES

JO MALONE - HOME CANDLE “These scented candles will leave your house smelling so yummy that you’ll never want to leave. They come in so many fragrances; you can choose the one that fits your style the most! Not only that, but you can also get it engraved with a special message for your loved one.”

We have compiled some gift ideas to surprise your mum with on Mother’s Day TOPSHOP METALLIC PLEATED MIDI SKIRT “This beautiful pleated skirt is super versatile.

Your mum can wear it during the day for brunch with her girlfriends or when she goes out to a fancy dinner with your dad.”

:

AZZA FAHMY - MULTILAYERED SILVER/GOLD RING “This beautiful silver and gold ring is the perfect gift. It spells words of joy and comfort – exactly what every mother brings into our lives.”

MANGO - NUDE BUCKET BAG “All celebrities are rocking these bucket bags and the colour of this one is on point with this season’s on trend colors. It’s practical as it can fit all your belongings, but also super fashionable – the perfect combo!”

Celebrate with your loved ones the beginning of the rest of your life in an intimate setting at Cheops and Chepren ballrooms, or say “I Do” in grand style at the Tutankhamun for a breath-taking extravaganza. For a ceremony in the awe-inspiring arms of nature, the Clubhouse Terrace, The Beach and Driving range accommodate outdoor weddings with ravishing scenery. The end of your night will be as wonderful with our beautifully decorated suites for a final touch of extraordinary.

TURNING YOUR LOVE STORY INTO A MAGICAL REALITY… THAT’S OUR VOW.

For more information please visit jwmarriottcairo.com or call (202) 2411 5588. https://www.facebook.com/JWMarriottHotelCairo https://www.instagram.com/jwmarriottcairo

must-haves for mothers

OUM ELDOUNIA - SMALL DECORATED SERVING TRAY WITH A SABAH EL FOL CALLIGRAPHY “This beautiful hand painted tray will sure wow your mum and any guests who come over to your house when you serve them tea.”

ZARA HOME - ORANGE EMBROIDERED PERCALE BED LINEN “Surprise your mum with this cute set from Zara Home and she will go to sleep on Mother’s Day with a smile on her face.”

URBAN OUTFITTERS - PETAL PERFUME OIL “This floral perfume oil is infused with real flower petals blended with natural apricot, sweet almond oils, and nurturing Vitamin E. Not only does it smell out of this world, but also how cute is the bottle?”

THE BODY SHOP - SPA FIT SMOOTHING AND REFINING SCRUB “Don’t have time to hit the spa? Bring the spa to you! This zesty citrus scrub will leaving your skin as soft as a baby’s bum.”

14 Identity March 2016

OUM ELDOUNIA - SET OF 3 BEIGE SAMI AMIN - LEATHER BAG HAND TOWELS WITH DARK BLUE “This bag is one of the DESIGN EMBROIDERED best sellers of the ‘Word “We love this set of cute Collection,’ a collection embroidered hand towels. The that Sami Amin designed Arabian designs of the Evil Eye and to spread positivity around. the Hamsa are so in right now.”

All of the pieces feature positive words like “Love, Peace, Light, Happiness and Blessings.”

OYSHO - MINK CABLE KNIT WOOL AND FAUX FUR SLIPPER BOOTS “Keep your feet warm and fuzzy in these home slippers when you’re having a cosy night in this cold winter.”

mother’s day special

stomach will also help her forget some of the nervewracking situations you put her through.

Recommendation: The “Ruen Thai” at the Dusit Thani, Lakeview Cairo is the perfect setting for some quality time with your mum over some delicious modern-style Thai food. You will definitely leave with a happy stomach.

SURPRISE GETAWAY

Where to take your mother on Mother’s Day

Why not surprise your mother with a surprise getaway with the family outside of Cairo? Or if you’re feeling adventurous, surprise her with tickets to her favourite city in Europe! You know she deserves it and so much more! Take this time off to relax together away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Recommendation: Sheraton Miramar in the heart of El Gouna will provide the whole family with a dream vacation and truly give you a break from the stress of the city.

AFTERNOON TEA

Treat your mum to a proper English afternoon tea experience and you will truly make her feel like the queen of England on this special day. Maybe you should even take it to another level of cuteness and wear matching tweed jackets and those extravagant

by Yasmine Akef royal hats with the massive flowers on the side. You Your mother has been there with you through may look a bit out of place, but who cares? You’ll get it all, and even if you can never repay her for a good laugh out of it and take some memorable cute everything that she has done and sacrificed for pictures. you, you can at least try. Treat her like the queen Recommendation: The green golf course contrasted that she is and pamper her in any way you can on against the blue sky makes JW Marriott the perfect this special day. choice to relax together. Whether you want to sit indoors at the View Lounge and Bar or outside at SPA DAY the Lake Promenade, you are bound to have a great Your mum deserves a spa day full of pampering, experience. massages, facials, and the whole nine yards. We are confident she needs to de-stress from the constant SUNDAY BRUNCH pressure she’s under from endlessly worrying about How convenient is it that Mother’s Day falls on a you and your siblings.

Sunday and what screams Sunday more than brunch?

Recommendation: The Nile Ritz Carlton’s “The Spa” Start Mother’s Day right with a hearty brunch and and its wide array of services are guaranteed to leave brighten up her mood not only for the rest of the day your mum relaxed and pampered from head to toe. but the rest of the week.

FANCY DINNER

You know what they say, “a full stomach makes a happy heart,” so why not take your mother or treat both your parents to some quality time at one of Cairo’s many gourmet restaurants. Hopefully a full 16 Identity March 2016

Recommendation: The Garden Promenade Café at the Cairo Marriott Hotel boasts delicious food and an amazing outdoor setting. The atmosphere on its own is guaranteed to put your mother in the best of moods.

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advice guru

AM I HIS REBOUND?

by Marwa Rakha

Dear Marwa, I’m falling head over heels for my best friend, who has suggested we casually date. He is a great guy and our friendship is amazing, but after a couple of dates and some intimacy he is stepping back. It is obvious that he is avoiding me so I don’t get too attached to him. He is brokenhearted because his ex left him and got married. His mixed signals are extremely upsetting. He pushes me to date others but when I do he gets jealous and wants me to stop.

I don’t know what to do. I like him so much I feel I love him. I don’t want to risk our friendship but I can’t leave it this way. It kills me seeing him with others or even the idea of him with another girl.

I feel devastated, what should I do?

Are you his rebound?

1) Is your partner fresh out of a relationship?

Dear Devastated, 2) Was that relationship intense, long, or both?

Let me introduce you to the world of rebounds! A 3) What was the level of commitment? Dating? rebound is a relationship that is supposed to help you Officially together? Engaged? Married? Kids? The escape the pain of another relationship. You can call more serious the commitment, the higher the it a painkiller, a band aid, or a quick fix. Usually it is probability of you being a rebound. right after a relationship that went belly up.

4) Do you feel that your partner is emotionally or physically unavailable?

So why is your man using you as his rebound?

5) Does your partner have extreme mood swings, or 1) A bruised ego: If a person feels that he has been cause you to have extreme mood changes? rejected, the ideal solution would be another 6) Do you have a feeling of uncertainty when you call relationship to prove to the ex, and to himself, that your partner? Is he/she going to pick up? he is desirable.

7) Do you feel that your needs are not met and that 2) Sense of failure: Whether it was him who ended your partner is taking you for granted? the relationship or he was forced out of it, there is 8) Do you feel that you are walking on eggshells all of a sense of loss and failure that goes with a breakup. the time?

To overcome this sense of failure, many try to prove If the answer is yes, then you are the band aid. You immediately that they can do it. “Yes, I can get in a have to end this relationship, it will not do you any relationship and stay there!” good. Allowing someone to use you to get over, tease, 3) Pain: He is in pain and he does not know how to or get even with someone is not fair to yourself. Have deal with it; no matter what he does, the void is still pride and leave before your self-esteem is shattered. there and the pain is sucking him into a bottomless Do not attempt to go on dates or start a new pit. relationship because this time it will be you who is 4) Fear: It could be fear of letting go of his dreams, of having a rebound on someone! When the feelings facing his faults and flaws, of being single, of being and intensity subside, you can enjoy a peaceful lonely, of answering questions, or of the ex moving friendship once again. on with her life before he does.

18 Identity March 2016

March 2016 Identity 19

psychological insight

WHY ARE MEN & WOMEN DIFFERENT?

by Kate Kerpez

Women and men are different. We know this because in some ways it is obvious, but sometimes it is hard to know which of our perceived gender differences we are born with and what we learn by interacting with the environment. Everyone is a product of both their genetic code and social environment, but why do girls enjoy playing with dolls and boys like to play with toy cars? Do gender differences occur because of genetics or the environment in which we are raised?

Despite the presence of these brain differences in early childhood, not all gender differences can be explained by genetics and brain structure. Many of the differences we perceive are present because of gender socialisation, or the way that people of different genders are expected to act in a home or society. For instance, the colour pink is often associated with girls and the colour blue is associated with boys, but there is no brain-based explanation as to why girls should like pink and boys should like blue! Children may develop attachments to these colours because they see them associated with their The answer is both, and research on gender own gender in their everyday life. socialisation in childhood has revealed some of the inborn psychological differences between the The socialisation of gender roles occurs at a young genders. Among these are brain differences that age; children are typically aware of gender roles by give girls a slight advantage when it comes to verbal the time they are two or three years of age. Research learning and boys an advantage in spatial learning. shows that parents may subconsciously prefer to give This means that girls become communicative and their children gender-stereotyped toys to play with, develop language skills earlier than boys. On the such as make-up for girls or toy guns for boys, and other hand, it is easier for boys to understand so boys and girls internalise and learn to identify symbols and diagrams. with those stereotypes. Therefore, although there The natural brain differences between boys and girls in childhood partly explain the different patterns of play. With their spatial learning advantage, boys have an increased interest in understanding how objects move through space. This curiosity leads to experimentation through throwing balls, running, climbing, and other forms of play. Girls, comparatively, use their verbal advantage to practice socialisation skills by pretending to talk to dolls or stuffed animals.

20 Identity March 2016

are natural brain differences between the genders, the internalisation of and identification with gender stereotypes accounts for a significant proportion of gender differences.

What about gender differences in adulthood? As the brain changes over time, gender differences may become less apparent. Research shows that people tend to overestimate the extent to which men and women are different. Perhaps we forget to appreciate our similarities, but our individual differences are worth appreciating as well.

women empowerment

Why Women Make Good Leaders

by Amina Moustapha

4. THEY TAKE THINGS STEP BY STEP One of the many talents a leader has need of is patience, and females are less likely to jump to an immediate conclusion, make a quick decision, or take action too soon. They are always willing to wait for their desired result through small and slow steps, rather than an overnight success.

New

“Some leaders are born women.” - Geraldine Ferraro 5. WOMEN ACTIVATE PASSION IN THEIR

22 Identity March 2016

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3. MULTITASKING IS IN THEIR BONES Women are commended for their ability to multitask.

Nowadays it is completely normal for a woman to have a flourishing career and still manage to raise a family. Between her jobs, household responsibilities, community commitments, and kids’ homework and extracurricular activities, she is forced to have exceptional time management skills to balance her career and her home life. A leader won’t succeed without this expertise.

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2. WOMEN BRING EMOTIONAL LITERACY TO THE TABLE Being too emotional is something women are always blamed for, although in fact it is a lot healthier to express your emotions than to bottle them up inside.

Women embrace their sentiments and bring them to work with them every day. Their passion for what they do is fuelled by the emotion they both witness and express on a daily basis. Loudly cheering in success moments, sharing their frustration when they face failure, and shedding tears of joy and pride when they achieve a goal, all of these emotions are positive and powerful motivators.

6. WOMEN ALREADY KNOW HOW TO SUCCEED AGAINST THE ODDS In our society, women know what it is like to be underestimated. They also know what it feels like to stand up and succeed against the odds. Persistence and resilience, with a healthy dose of gratitude and humility, are prerequisites for leaders. What better training could there be for a leader than that?

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1. THEY ARE SKILLED COMMUNICATORS Women are endowed with an inborn prowess that caters towards communication, empathy and emotional intelligence - the key pillars of conscious leaders. While men usually communicate through activities rather than conversations, women tend to be more discussion oriented and good listeners; which is exactly the skill that is most critical for managing a team.

TEAM. Women are insightful about knowing how to activate passion in their team. This is an important artistry for a leader since passion builds loyalty and it makes a team passionate about the product, the service, or the company. A fiercely loyal community is the strongest marketing strategy for any business.

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Leadership requires a combination of traits to translate vision into reality, whether you lead multiple teams, an entire company, or just one staff member. Once they set their heart on a goal, female leaders can achieve it because many women are blessed with these desired leadership qualities.

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With My Cheesy Bites you get to choose 3 from our 5 delicious crust flavors.

Available with all your favorite toppings.

BARON MALL VENDORS

beautiholics PURE DECADENCE

Your eyes will stand out with this naked (buff matte) shade of Urban Decay’s Eye Shadow.

In this long, lean, and seductive palette you can find a variety of textures, including glitter, shimmer, and matte, ensuring that you’ll never get bored.

CONTOURING TRICK

“Contouring” is the new beauty buzzword and the make-up trick that works wonders. L’Oreal takes it to a whole new level with its True Match Powder that contains a hint of pearl pigments that enhances your skin tone.

A PERFECT POUT

Enrich your lip look with this unique dark red NYX Cosmetics Retractable Lip Liner, a treasured product that carries extreme moisture and comfort to the lips for hours.

BEAUTY NEWS

by Amina Moustapha

ALLURING DEFINITION

Bobby Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is a bestselling, award-winning formula that makes lining your eyes like a pro easy. The eyeliner glides on smoothly and precisely, then quickly dries into a long-wearing, water-resistant finish.

DARK POUT Stay in style with this sexy, dark shade from Bordeaux.

THE SKIN YOU’RE IN With good skin care, you really won’t need a lot of make-up. This fast-absorbing Face Butter Josie Maran product will do magic for your skin as it is designed to leave it tender, mellow, and hydrated.

24 Identity March 2016

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beautiholics

GLEAMING LIPS

Don’t settle for less in your lipstick, the Maybelline Colour Sensational® Rebel Bloom Petal Pink is an ultra-long-wearing formula guaranteed to last all day. Its vehement pigment load and colour pledges lips with maximum glossy coverage.

EYE-CATCHERS

Get the perfect feline eye in the flick of a whisker with this ink-rich eyeliner from ‘Bobbi Brown.’ It’s so easy to use, it practically writes itself! It works on every face shape to elongate your eyes and lift your features for a sexy, cat-like gaze.

BACK TO BLACK You can rock this fervent grunge look with these hot new products.

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A ROYAL GLOW

Combined with a sheerer base, Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder highlights the face without masking the skin beneath it. These universally flattering shades are perfect for all skin tones.

Identity

SMOOTH SKIN

A SUBTLE SCENT

Polish off the look with Tory Burch’s sparkling eau de parfum that conveys a more delicate and romantic attitude.

The scent opens subtly with sweet lychee and a warm aquatic accord.

26 Identity March 2016

An ultra-rich texture boasts truly nourishing properties that will keep your skin comfortable whatever the weather, particularly during very cold periods. L’Occitane’s Créme Divine combines pure immortelle essential oil, vitamin A, and vitamin E.

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fashion fever

Oscar De La Renta at Shopbop.com EGP3,053

Balenciaga at Matchesfashion. com EGP4,324 Balenciaga at Matchesfashion. com EGP6,469

Audrey Hepburn

Tibi at Netaporter. com EGP7,458 H&M EGP259 Aldo EGP94 Coco Chanel Manolo Blahnik at Barneys. com EGP4,659 Nine West EGP392

Ben Amun at Shopbop. com EGP3,328

Bvlgari Serpenti

Diane von Furstenberg

FASHION ICONS

by Nahed Kazziha

Powerful women are everywhere: science, business, sports, and art. Fashion is no exception. These trailblazers pushed an industry forward and are in their own right visionaries for their contributions.

Some are creators, others influencers, but in all cases they are an embodiment of strength and the fighting spirit.

28 Identity March 2016

DVF Jeanne Two at Bloomingdales.com EGP3,352

Kenneth Jay Lane EGP1,143

March 2016 Identity 29

fashion fever continued from page 24

G

ABRIELLE “COCO” CHANEL

When: 1883-1971 creation many consider the Holy Grail of LBDs until Occupation: Designer Famous Quote: “The most courageous act is still to today, a concept instigated by none other than Chanel and marvellously reinterpreted by Hubert de think for yourself. Aloud.”

Givenchy. Her own personal style and her on-screen Gabrielle was born in France in 1883 and was raised wardrobe, demure, simple yet delicately urban, by nuns in an orphanage after her mother’s death. were entirely amalgamated, importing her European It is there that she was taught to sew, a skill that grace and structured femininity to Hollywood’s silver would catapult her to unforeseen fame. Beginning screen. The ease with which she dressed herself for with hats, Coco Chanel opened her first store on Rue her roles and her everyday life mirrored her own Cambon in 1910, followed by further expansions in philosophy of being comfortable in your own skin.

Deauville and Biarritz. She began fashioning clothes out of men’s fabrics like jersey and tweed, garnering attention and demand for her unique dress sense.

Soon after, despite the austere times, the legendary perfume Chanel No.5 was launched which Coco claimed was the “ultimate fashion accessory […] that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.”

Chanel’s lasting contribution to fashion came in the form of her eponymous suit, a garment typically reserved for men, freeing women from constraining corsets and emphasizing the importance of luxury comfort. Using “commoners” fabrics, but lining the suits with luxurious silks and furs, the contrastingly lined outfit has a growing loyal following worldwide.

D

IANE VON FURSTENBERG

When: 1946Occupation: Designer Famous Quote: “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I always knew the woman I wanted to be.”

Born Diane Halfin in Brussels, she met the son of German Prince Tassilo zu Furstenberg at the age of 18, whom she married and in turn granted her the title of Her Serene Highness. Having learned the design trade from textile manufacturer Angelo Ferretti, she designed her first silk jersey dress.

Diane was determined to have her own career after marrying into royalty and upon moving to New York, UDREY HEPBURN she met with Vogue editor Diana Vreeland. Vreeland put DVF on the radar and landed her in the esteemed When: 1929-1993 New York Fashion Week in 1974, where the epic Occupation: Actress Famous Quote: “Nothing is impossible, the word itself wrap dress was introduced. The introduction of this marvel of fashion landed Diane on the cover of says ‘I’m possible’!”

Time Magazine in 1976, heralding her as “the most Born Audrey Ruston in Brussels to parents of marketable woman since Coco Chanel.” The wrap continental European nobility, Hepburn spent her dress became a symbol of the confident woman early years being privately schooled in England and who had it all. Its versatility meant it was perfect during WWII in the Netherlands, where she suffered for anywhere, from the office to the evening and from malnutrition among other ailments. Having wherever the modern woman went. Today, DVF has taken ballet lessons since the age of 5, she sustained cemented her place in fashion history as a pioneer, herself through continued performances throughout with her iconic wrap dress on display at the Costume the war, landing her a scholarship to London. After a Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. brief modelling career, Audrey Hepburn was spotted by a producer, paving the way to her Hollywood stardom. Her legendary portrayal of Holly Golightly in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) is where her style and elegance caught the world’s attention: the opening scene featured Hepburn in a Givenchy

A

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We can help you in designing your bathroom.

30 Identity March 2016 Identity Fab 2016 .indd 3

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fashion fever

BOLD FASHION Thigh High

1

The over the knee boot has become a near predictable recurring theme whenever temperatures linger low.

The key to nabbing this look is to avoid the Pretty Woman trap, i.e. pulling a Julia Roberts at the beginning of that movie.

So make sure to show skin sparingly if you are wearing these boots on a night out, or give them a more low key air over skinny jeans.

Also, maybe opt for a sturdier heel or flats rather than a spiky stiletto.

White Out

There is nothing quite as crisp and pristine as an allwhite ensemble, but there is one small pesky detail: you cannot get it dirty!

Fear not, there is a way to work around this and it is called Scotchguard. It is a fabric protector that works as a stain repellant that will keep your angel whites white. A match made in heaven!

3

5

2

Slip Dress

Your biggest challenge here is to wear this slinky dress without making it look like you left your house in your lingerie.

Best way around that is contrasting your soft look with solid footwear and less romantic outerwear and accessories. Think combat boots and chunky knits for the win, or go cool with a simple white tee underneath.

32 Identity March 2016

6

4

by Nahed Kazziha

Vibrant Suede

The biggest problem of suede? It is virtually a dust magnet! And that is bad news if you are a Cairene at the cusp of sandstorm season. So invest in a suede protector and repeat the ritual three times before wearing your suede number. A soft suede eraser is also handy to rub those dirt stains away.

Leather Up What’s key to pulling off leather leggings is to ensure they are not so shiny they pass for patent leather and are flexible enough for you to move freely.

And if you happen to have killer legs, then all the better.

Cream of the Crop

From Bollywood, to the beach and everything in between, this world has gone crop top crazy. Crop tops are extremely versatile ranging from the tee varieties that offer a laid back casual feel to a fully embellished bustier to take on the night. And while these tops may be trendy, they are of the exclusionary brand (sorry, ladies). You should really only wear them if you can lay claim to the three Ts (simultaneously, of course): Thin, Toned, and Tanned. Otherwise, you are really just wasting your time.

March 2016 Identity 33

Dress: Amaya Arzuaga maille from Villa baboushka, Necklace: Reem Jano from ABn’Gworld, Cuff & Ring: Beni from ABn’Gworld

fashion editorial

regal

Independence Every woman is a queen with a royal greatness inside of her. Her majestic presence is vividly revealed in her beauty, grace, strength, and wisdom.

Model: HABIBA MEHREZ (C TOWN MODEL MANAGEMENT) Photographer: ABU SAMRA Art Direction: YASMINE AKEF & ALIA EL ABD Stylist: NOUR MADKOUR Clothes: BOUTIQUE51, VILLA BABOUSHKA, HIP Make-up Artist: MARIAM WAHID Hair Stylist: RAFI from AL SAGHEER Location: ABn’Gworld ZAMALEK

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fashion editorial

Crop top: Maticevski from Villa baboushka, Skirt: Byblos from Boutique51, Necklace: Villa Baboushka, Earrings: Claude Hajj

A queen is the guardian of her realm, her home. Standing tall against all intruders, she refuses to back down or allow anyone to harm her loved ones.

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fashion editorial feature

Dress: Irina Schrotter from Boutique51, Beije Fur Scarf: Karl Donoghue from Boutique51

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Dress: Amaya Arzuaga Maille from Villa baboushka, Earrings: Adoro

With confidence and charisma, she bravely carves her path in life. She is talented and passionately embraces all forms of art and education.

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Dress: Ozlem Suer from Villa baboushka, Headband (belt): Villa baboushka

fashion editorial

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fashion editorial

Dress: by Fang from Villa baboushka, Necklace: First Floor

A queen will face many enemies in the form of barriers, rejection, and disappointment, but she will conquer all of her conquests.

Crowned with wisdom, she will only become stronger in the face of adversity. She is a queen in every sense of the word.

Royal. Noble. Enduring.

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Masters edia

Media is a critical part of shaping and moulding the societies we live in, thus the reason we chose “Women in Media” as the theme for Identity’s 2016 Women’s Empowerment Issue. Egyptian women have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned within this challenging and demanding field, as they conquer leadership positions and even build their own empires from the ground up. Our interviews reflect both businesswomen and entrepreneurs who have taken risks and overcome challenges to be on the cutting edge of media developments. Our interviewees can be found using any modern platform to connect with people, create and share ideas, and make their voices heard. These include increasingly important social media outlets such as SnapChat, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, as well as more traditional mediums, such as television, cinema, advertising agencies, websites, and print publications. Prepare to be inspired by the dedication of these impressive women to succeed in anything they put their mind to.

Interviews by Liza Dunham

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women empowerment

HALA KHALIL

Cinema Director With only three movies, a TV series, and some short films, Director Hala Khalil has found her unique position in the Arab Cinema. All of her outstanding films are about strong women characters, and her newest film “Nawara” is could easily be converted to have a male in the expected to be released this March. leading role, it could still fit. If it happens that I found Many of your films have women as the lead a good script starring a male, I have no objection to do it, I will even be so excited and eager to do so. So characters, is this on purpose?

It wasn’t something intended, or something I was the bias wasn’t intended. looking for. Maybe because mostly I am also the author of my movies, so directing and authoring are In what ways can having women behind the scenes so related to each other. If I was a novelist the same reshape how women are portrayed on the screen? thing would have happened, because my movies are The presence of women in the industry of cinema part of me, I express myself through them, it doesn’t is crucial, especially in authoring and directing. It’s have to be things that happened personally to me, more important also to have more female screen writers, we lack this in the industry here in Egypt. The but something that interests me or gets to me. ones that managed to succeed, like Mariam Naoum, Therefore, the actor or the actress in the leading role are few. In my three movies I faced difficulties to find represents the author’s voice, so maybe that’s the producers who would get excited for a movie with a reason my main characters are females, because they female lead. As the number of female scriptwriters are my voice. Still the movies are not always about increases, the better the image of women will things that pertain to only women, but are more become. Because in our society, there is no real related to what happens in Egyptian society. So I can’t mixture between men and women; we do all we can take sides, I have to deliver both from the women’s to separate these two worlds. As a result, the two and the men’s point of view. So my three movies sides tend to create some misconceptions about

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each other. I can see these misconceptions in movies.

Some male scriptwriters write scripts about women that are totally unrelated to us. They didn’t mean to but they just don’t know. In literature, we have Miral El Tahawy, May El Termesany, Noura Amina, Hanaa Atteya and many more from this generation’s authors who went extra miles in advancing female literature, and we should copy this success in cinema.

What drew you to Nawara, and what was it like directing the film?

The idea for the movie “Nawara” was the result of a load of accumulations from events that had occurred to me a few years earlier, most importantly it was the January 25th Revolution. This revolution was a sweet dream to everyone, but sadly it shattered bit by bit, and we fell into despair. Not long before that I moved in to live in a compound. The life over there made me reflect about a lot of issues, including the stratification of our society, the huge gap between the social classes, and how the wealthy people in Egypt were isolating themselves from the rest of the nation. We reached a point where the idea of living in a compound and in the rich districts of Egypt could be translated into a substantial matter; the highborn are surrounding themselves with high walls and with towering gates. Not everyone could get past those gates, it’s either you belong to this class or the working class that serves them.

So I started wondering about how the working class, the ones who cross the gates everyday to work in the compound, see the life behind those gates.

How they perceived the people who lived there, the expenditure, the prosperity and how they compare it on the other hand with their own lives in their milieu that lacks any sense of the essential means of life. This was especially after a revolution with that powerful of an impact, which generated dreams for everyone.

A revolution with the slogan “ Bread, Freedom, Social Justice,” if so, where is the bread? Where is the social justice?

That was how the story of Nawara got woven into a movie.

Most people would agree with me that the January 25th Revolution hasn’t reached its maturity and stability yet, or the stage where its objectives got achieved, or even reached its failure. Therefore making movies or writing scripts about the revolution is not the case so far. However, the revolution occupies a huge place in our daily lives, our conversations in the street, at home or even with friends. It was hard for me as an author to write a movie that has nothing to do with the revolution, that’s why it was a crucial background to the tale of this Egyptian girl called Nawara. The movie was like an exit or a solution to reflect my feelings toward what the revolution came to in 2016.

What is your vision?

I still don’t have a particular vision, but I am always searching. At each stage I feel that I can’t settle for that and I need more.

Why do you only come out with a film every so often?

It’s due to me wanting to create movies that express who I am, and my movies don’t always have the qualifications producers want. Producers seek always to copy success, meaning when a movie does well, they always observe what was so great about it to repeat it. And this way of thinking doesn’t fit with who I am. The way I approach a movie has nothing to do with how well this movie will do, but the topic and the story are what always capture me. So that’s the main reason it takes me so long to do a movie. I have lots of scripts, but finding a producer is the issue.

That’s why I am getting into the producing world, because I am with the independent cinema.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I don’t have long term plans, but for the short term I have a script that I am working on, it’s a controversial one that I have no idea if the censorship will let All these thoughts gave birth to a character whose it pass peacefully. It’s related to the relationship name is “Nawara.” Nawara is a modest girl who between Muslims and Christians in Egyptian society. crosses everyday from her indigent world to the Other than that, my latest movie “Nawara” is the first prosperous world behind the gate. I always puzzled part of a trilogy called the “Sawra” trilogy. I decided over how the people who belong to a poor social class to postpone the second part in the sequel because it could without fail maintain that state of gratitude you is more related to the revolution more than Nawara. always see on their faces all the time. In my eyes they Since the Egyptian revolution is in a changing state, are forever happy, cheerful, and believe they lead a the more I postpone the movie the better. I am also life that is better than some others. It drove me crazy working on a movie called “Bo23t El Dam.” sometimes because maybe this acceptance is one of the reasons why there are no changes in our reality.

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women empowerment Did you always want to work in media and communication? What are some of the aspects you like the most and least about the field?

Yes, I wanted to work in the field since I was in university. I was always fascinated by TV, TV programs, and productions. The thing I like the most about media is that it’s less subjective than advertising; however, the thing I like the least are the politics involved in the job and the field in general.

DINA HASHEM

Managing Director of UM Cairo Managing Director of UM Cairo, Dina Hashem may have studied advertising, but her creativity and experience in the field has led to an impressive career in media. Now the managing director of UM Cairo, one of Dina’s many cutting edge accomplishments was masterminding Digital Bloom in 2010, the first digital event in Egypt for marketers, advertisers, digital companies, and media companies.

You have reached a very impressive level within UM Cairo, can you tell us more about the journey your career has taken you on?

I worked in advertising after studying it at AUC, but by the end of 2002 I wanted a career change. At that time media agencies were rising to the scene so I decided to take the challenge to make the switch.

It turned out going into media with an advertising background was a real plus. It helped me a lot in 48 Identity March 2016

excelling in media beyond numbers and media plans.

I then took the role of a GM for UM in 2006 and was later promoted to MD. UM has been a real home to me since then; leading a medium sized agency to become one of the top agencies in town was a thrill by all means. It needed a lot of dedication, effort, and hard work, but more importantly needed the right people around me to make it happen. I was very lucky with the team I had at that time, and still have, who can understand the vision for the agency and make sure we are behind improving every day in our service.

Did you have any unexpected challenges getting into this field?

Well, to be honest, yes. The field isn’t 1+1=2 as I thought it was when I first joined; it involves a lot of politics, lobbying, and creating strong ties to be able to grow and sustain the agency, which isn’t something easy to achieve

You lead an operation of nearly 50 people, what does it take to do that successfully and smoothly?

Well, it’s not smooth at all and never will be; however, I take it day by day. I make sure the rules and systems are set and I try to encourage the people to follow them, but most important is that I motivate them and entertain their ambitions. No company can or ever will depend on one person, so I really endorse teamwork, delegation, and accountability so that every one can depend on the people around them.

I also believe in creating several tiers in the structure so that if someone leaves you have others who can jump in and take care of the job. We are in a business of people, they are our true assets, so we have to grow them in all possible ways for them to grow the agency further.

Who is your role model and why?

My role model is my father. He was the reason why I wanted to be successful in my business because he was very successful in the pharmaceutical world back then and especially in the multinational world.

I learned a lot from him on how to be a professional, how to respect business ethics, how to be a leader, and how to grow a team.

As this is the women’s empowerment issue, we are very concerned with women having more opportunities in Egypt. Do you think the professional world is becoming more or less receptive to women taking more active roles, and why do you think this is?

I believe it’s becoming more receptive, especially in the marketing and agency world in Egypt. They proved over the years that they can lead as strong and as well as men. Yes, we are not there yet and it’s still a man’s world in a lot of the leading positions in Egypt, but it’s definitely improving.

What do you do to separate your professional life from your personal life? Do you have any advice for other busy women in the workforce?

The minute I step home I stop thinking about work no matter what, weekends and vacations are for my What do you think were some of the factors that family with no exceptions. I am very determined helped you and continue to help you succeed? about this and it took me time to impose this, but One of the main reasons behind my success was the I succeeded at the end. When you say it out loud people who worked with me. I couldn’t have done it without feeling guilty or shameful that your family is alone, I had a vision and they simply helped my vision important and you have the right for a personal life, to come true. It takes a village to run an agency. I people find themselves forced to respect that at the also have my mother to thank a lot for all the support end. she gave me to become a successful working mother, without her unconditional support I couldn’t have What do you see yourself doing in the future? had children while still trying to make a name in the I see myself either in the food business or television. media field.

Food is a passion for me, I could have my own restaurant. Or I could lead a TV channel offering What advice do you have to others who want to quality content for the viewers. It would be make a name for themselves in this area? entertaining, educational, and create new means and My advise would simply be to try to learn as much ways for products to be advertised and reach their as you can, gain a solid experience in every aspect targets on TV that’s beyond a 30 second spot. related to the field, have clear career objectives and go for them. Never stop learning and think you reached your peak, there is always something new to learn in the world of communication that is rapidly changing around us. Never take no for an answer, never ASSUME, and try to perfect your job no matter how little it is at the beginning.

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women empowerment like a ‘baby’ and nurturing it over the years can have a powerful impact on your business. Statistically, companies that recruit more women than men possess a much higher probability of success. Need I say more?

NAYROUZ ABOUZID CEO of Ego Communicate

Nayrouz is the owner and managing director of Ego Communicate, an integrated PR and media agency based in Egypt. With a passion for communication and entrepreneurship, she has a wealth of experience in publishing, music production, TV, and event organising that has brought her to where she is today.

You have gained a lot of experience in the PR field, what do you think are some of the most valuable things you have learned?

Reputation is key. Without it, no skill will ever matter.

So always stay true to yourself and the people you work with.

Working in PR, have you ever found yourself not taken seriously as a woman? Do you ever find clients are intimidated dealing with strong woman?

I think gender has never really affected my business; if anything, being a woman today is an advantage.

I’ve been running my own business since the age of 24, and I have come to realise that people will What were some of the unexpected challenges you relate always to transparency rather than gender. If found while making a name for yourself in your you’re honest about what you do and say, then it’s fields? impossible to intimidate the right people.

There are two types of market presence; either you’re popular and people work with you because Are there any advantages to being a woman in this of that, or you are good at what you do and people field? eventually acknowledge your efforts. I prefer the Plenty. Women by default are more image-oriented, latter, and ironically it has been one of our main patient, and have a penchant for details. In PR these challenges in this market. Overcoming hype with real are all very important factors. You can’t represent results is no easy endeavour in a market that relies a luxury brand, for example, if you yourself don’t mainly on “likes,” “followers,” and “shares.” Overall, understand luxury. this is gradually changing though.

Most importantly, women’s maternal instincts add an inevitable value to brand building. Treating a brand 50 Identity March 2016

to digital exercises, advertising and social media monitoring. Then again, I come from a print background and I do have a lot of respect for our fellow journalists and publishers who work hard to deliver quality news and articles. Media aside, I also believe in the power of “word of mouth’; good What do you think it takes to be a successful PR always results in real feedback as opposed to business woman in Egypt today? temporary hype.

A successful business woman or man must be both skilful and ‘street savvy.’ I think being too academic The bottom line is EgoComm’s focus is distributed about business in Egypt may not necessarily help in across different communication channels. After achieving targets. In fact, it seems that success comes all digital is a means of communication and not with finding a good balance between professionalism “communication” itself. If I rely on digital alone, then and a little bit of good old politics. One needs to I’m missing the point. Not everyone is online all the know how to strategically work his/her network and time, not everyone trusts the internet; so how is resources. it possible to run a successful PR firm, using JUST digital?

Do you think the workplace is becoming more welcoming to having women in lead roles? Why do The fields you are in are very demanding and timeyou think or not think this is? consuming around the clock, what do you do to For as long as I remember; women have been capable separate your professional life from your personal of impactful leadership; it’s in every history book. life? Do you have any advice for other busy women Not because societal evolution has had it’s hiccups, in the workforce? does that mean that women can’t do anything they Hire a good team. Trust me, this is not easy. The put their mind to. Leadership is a matter of fact, not search for good calibre is the hardest part, but once a title given by someone. And most importantly, it’s you find the right candidates, time management gender-less. becomes a piece of cake. I won’t lie to you, though, I do have many moments where I am incapable of What are some of the differences between working balancing work and family. The good news is that I in PR when you started and working in PR now? have a husband that understands and respects my What should someone who is hoping to get into the ambitions, and has helped me plenty over the past field know? years.

When we first started PR, press was a very important channel for brand communication. Print media and PR events were the most important criteria for a good brand portfolio. I find that today there’s a heightened focus on ‘online influence’- which in theory is not a bad thing, given that you also understand its limitations.

This is why my core advice is to accept market evolution with an open mind but to also have a stance with regards to what really is influential and what isn’t. Good PR is a result of hard work, so let’s not treat it as a ‘trending topic’.

You have had a wide variety of experiences in your professional life, is your role with Ego your final stop or is there another field you would like to experience?

Very true. I’ve tried everything in the past 15 years. From publishing, to TV, to music production to even running venues and event organising. I think my passion is communication, and more specifically broadcast media. There are a few things in the pipeline, that may transition my business to something bigger and better. Isn’t that the dream of any entrepreneur?

Your work focuses a lot on print and PR, and not digital, which is an interesting choice given the prevalence of internet and social media in our world today. Why is this?

I use digital, and I appreciate it’s importance.

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women empowerment What are some of the challenges you have faced while growing your businesses? Which ones did you expect when you started your journey and which ones were unexpected?

My challenges were industry related, not really gender related. My biggest and ongoing challenge is the lack of business ethics that comes with our field, actually in general if I may say so. Egypt is also no easy soil for start-ups or entrepreneurs; we are left alone and suffer red tape and corruption in every government authority we deal with. Yet I don’t want to complain, as this is the situation in our country and we have to find ways to jump hurdles, so in the past 9 years I became quite a good hurdle jumper. The hardest is to survive without losing your integrity; it delays things but it is worth it.

MAY ABDEL ASIM Co-Founder of Media&More

May Abdel Asim is a vivacious entrepreneur in the media and publishing fields, responsible for founding and managing the boutique creative agency Media&More, as well as the publications What Women Want... Magazine and the Travel Mag. As an entrepreneur yourself and knowing you have been involved in initiatives such as Rise Up, are you optimistic about the future of entrepreneurship in Egypt?

Yes, very optimistic. Egyptians have a resilience that is unprecedented. I take my energy from joining the start-up competition as a judge, mentoring or speaking at different events that support that eco system. The amount of hope and positive energy I take from these events is priceless and pushes you to continue. Yet, the government must create ways to embrace this young eco-system as to foster them, not push them away to new markets.

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In our day and age, how powerful do you see platforms such as your print magazine and social media accounts in influencing opinion? How do you use this power, and what are some of the causes and ideas that you really like to support in your publications?

What Women Want…Magazine is about empowering women to unleash their potential in every possible way. I believe in the power of print and digital media, each one speaks to a different target segment and it is very powerful. Of course social media has proven to be the “fastest” medium these days and we use it to communicate our stance on gender equality, human empowerment, and many other issues that we experience in our daily lives.

Since this is our women’s empowerment issue, what kind of advantages do you think women have in the field of media?

That would be stereotyping, but it seems that women are the better communicators, #malesh.

me they try to maintain this balance. So yes I actually should be more considerate when I rant on social media.

In your experience, why is it important to have more women in positions that shape our media?

We need to have women in every industry, in the political and public life. It shouldn’t be industry specific. We need women in parliament and not just the few quota women who are brought in to say the nasty stuff men don’t want to say. We also need more female ministers to lead impactful ministries.

The addition of Media & More to your portfolio shows your adaptability to the changing market.

What are the main trends in media market changes and do you think they are positive or negative?

I founded Media & More in 2007 as a creative boutique and advertising agency. In 2009 we added Do you think the professional world is a digital department that used to develop websites. becoming more or less receptive to women After the revolution we reduced our agency services taking more active roles, and why do you to digital solutions and social media management, think this is? which was triggered by the digital boom that took I think we need to be out there and never place. The future is online and the trends are clear; take no for an answer. Most change-makers to survive as a brand or business, adaptability and are female and it stems from seeing a certain evolving are crucial. Change is always positive, it’s injustice and wanting to free other human part of evolution. beings from it. Also women are more likely to give back to their community so having more women We know you are the proud mother of two girls. in public life reflects positively on society. So to How do you teach them to be empowered? answer the question it is not about the professional My oldest is eight and the younger one is two world being ready or not, it is about us claiming what and a half years old. They are very different in we want. character; while the oldest is very observing, artistic and philosophical. The young one is wild, jumps Do you ever feel like your private life is invaded by fences, and is very resilient. I try to allow them to your connection to the magazine? For example, are be themselves. As a control freak this wasn’t easy you self conscious about what you post or tweet on at first, but I learned to consciously let go and push your private accounts because the opinions could them to be themselves and try different things. I try reflect on the magazine? What do you do to escape to teach them to try hard, fail, and continue. They and have your own social life? need to understand that they are loved regardless What Women Want…Magazine is my first-born of their choices and that whatever crazy story they so feeling invaded is not the right word, we are come home with that they will find our support as connected and we stand for the same beliefs and parents. I hope that they will grow up to be free and values. Of course there is stuff I say in my private happy women with free minds. life that What Women Want…Magazine as a brand would not say, which is a good thing. I am a rather What do you see yourself doing in the future? private person and the interest of readers is rather in Being happy and healthy. the magazine than me as a person. The same actually applies to my team, they are out and about town, yet remain private in their lives and on social media. Like March 2016 Identity 53

women empowerment

SHERRY & SABRINA Co Founders of 1984 Management Sherry el Kilany and Sabrina Khalil, co-founders and managing partners of Nineteen84 Luxury & Entertainment Management, have been an unstoppable pair in the media field. With a passion for entertainment and business, they now lead the widely popular Middle Eastern website ScoopEmpire, an urban online hub.

What are some of the challenges you have faced while growing your businesses? For example, you both were young when you began your now very successful businesses. Was this ever a barrier? Why or why not?

We officially started the company 5 years ago only, so we literally were born in the revolution. In a time when people were panicking and worried about In your experience, why is it important to have more investing in the country, we needed to figure out how women in positions that shape our media, such as to have them continue spending on their marketing, and especially on social media, which was still a very ScoopEmpire?

We think putting women in empowering positions in virgin market at the time. As for our age, we’ve both multiple fields is a plus, especially when most women been working from when we were in high school aren’t given that opportunity due to their being because we genuinely love to work, so our age may undermined in multiple fields, so being able to fill have been worrisome to some thinking we were those positions by our own choice with women and inexperienced, but we never faced any issues due to help them establish themselves, is the least we can it. do.

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“

Out of the different genders we have hired, women are usually the hardest working and have the biggest desire to prove themselves.

“

Nineteen84 has grown to become a very wellrecognized business in the field. Has it taken the original shape you imagined for it when you started it together?

I don’t think either of us would have ever imagined the scale it has become. We literally started for the love of the game and marketing and because we wanted to bring our own unique style of business to the market. All of a sudden we turned our two person business into a full fledged marketing and events management company, El Hamdelllah.

What do you think were some of the factors that helped you and continue to help you succeed in such a competitive field?

We’re always looking for the latest and newest trends and trying to get to them before anyone else does, but most importantly we always want to learn from our mistakes. We take our clients’ comments very seriously as well as our reputation in the market.

This for us is the most important factor that leads to success, as well as not letting our egos grow. Every win regardless of how big or small is as exciting as if it were the first client we landed.

You two have been working together quite successfully, what is the secret behind your friendship that works so well in business?

We’ve been friends since we were 13, so we know each other inside out. We have though made it our mission to learn how to separate business and our friendship. We may be fighting like cats and dogs as friends, but at work we put everything aside and vice versa. We may hate each other at work, but the moment we leave the office we’re back to being friends. It’s hard to do, but we constantly remind each other that the two are different.

In the event business, you naturally need to take a leading role to make sure everything gets done and on time. Do you ever find clients are intimidated by such strong women?

We’ve never really thought about it actually, that is a good question. Because of the way the event industry is, we naturally take things into our hands and into our control to try and deliver the best possible thing the client could expect. We’re sure that probably does come off as bossy, but it does come from a place of well being for the client so they can get the results they need.

The fields you are in are very demanding and timeconsuming around the clock, what do you do to separate your professional life from your personal life?

It used to be much harder for us to separate the two, all our time was dedicated to building our companies.

But as our team has become more solid, we’ve become much better at our time management. So vacations and finding time for much needed hobbies and social life has become an easier quest to fulfil.

Do you have any advice for other busy women in the workforce?

Do you think that your partners in each field, social Best piece of advice is do what makes you happy and media, events, branding, publication, and all others, just follow that, one day it may be your work, the are becoming more or less receptive to women next a relationship, just don’t forget to do you! taking more active roles? Why do you think this is?

This may come off in the wrong way, but I truly believe that women in the work place will be replacing men Where do you see yourselves in the future? shortly. Out of the different genders we have hired, Sherry: On my yacht, docked on my private island. women are usually the hardest working and have the Sabrina: I’m taking it day by day, the journey has been biggest desire to prove themselves. crazy so far so I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

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women empowerment

Musician and Humanitarian

You have a very positive and humanitarian touch to your work. Why do you think your message is so attractive to your followers, and what role has social media played in your success?

I believe in the power of every human body to change as little and as much as possible in this world. I was very happy by how lots of the people who support me and follow me were affected by this and started helping others as well, including animals. I think all types of social media platforms have a different impact. For me, I think YouTube because it really helped me in spreading my music. But my absolute favourite is Instagram because it’s an easy app and it’s all about visuals.

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(PBUH). I love singing in English. I know very well that my skills in singing Western music are way better, but in order to also appeal to everyone in Egypt and the Middle East I need to sing in Arabic, so yes I sing in both. In my upcoming album “Respect,” I have songs in Arabic, English and songs in both.

Do you think the perception of women in Egypt is changing? Why or why not?

Yes, definitely! In some areas it is changing; I believe that women now are stronger and more able to ask for their rights and are more present in the society.

There are still a lot of issues that really bother me such as harassment and not appreciating women generally when it comes to their choices, rights, and individuality.

You were one of the singers in the positive and uplifting Sahla w Basita, do you think efforts like these are any indication for where media is going in the future?

Yes, definitely. I think music nowadays is not really going in a good direction when it comes to lyrics and music instruction and the messages in them. But I’m also happy that some of the musicians nowadays do their best to try to fight that and spread good quality music instead.

Do you think that positive songs and music videos such as these can do anything to change the outside world’s perspective of Islam and Egypt? Do you think that being a woman has an impact, since women in the region tend to be stereotyped as having no You have a wide of variety of women in the video voice? with you, how did you select them?

Absolutely. For me, music is the best possible I started by women that I know and are incredibly educational tool, and the fastest too, If you combine strong like my mother, my friend’s grandmother, and a good melody and good lyrics in an amazing my best friend, and Sara Riad also started calling the message you will definitely get a very powerful women she knew. All of the women in the video are impact concerning Islam, concerning women, and amazing strong women with real stories of bravery. concerning anything that matters to the world.

MAY ABD EL AZIZ May Abd El Aziz is a musician and teacher with a heart for humanitarian work and spreading happiness and peace. She sings uplifting songs about religion and women, volunteers with NGOs in Egypt and across Africa, and shares her inspiration and causes with her fans on her popular social media accounts.

Tell us about the story behind your song “Ashgha Wahida.”

It all started when I was sitting with Sara Riad, the director, and we were talking about how there aren’t many songs out there that speak about women’s weaknesses and strengths at the same time. So I went home, completely thought of myself as a woman, and wrote it. It’s a very simple yet deep song that speaks to all kinds of women who are strong yet sometimes feel weak. They just need someone to lift them up, and that’s the power of music.

You now have approaching almost 40,000 followers on Facebook alone, what kind of influence does that give you and how do you use it?

I think of it as a responsibility more than just an influence. Every word, every picture, every thought has to spark something in them and in me as well.

What are the most common things you post?

Things about my life, my cats, my thoughts, my family, my friends, my music, my trips. I think it gives my supporters an idea of who I am and my personality and what I love. I get people stopping me and asking about my cat Malakai! (Laugh) They know all of their names: Malakai, Shalabi, and Titi.

What about the causes that are important to you, such as animal rights? Do you post as an individual or as an activist?

Both, I love animals and I believe in their ability to heal human souls because of the innocence and the unconditional love they give us. I also don’t like when people are unkind to animals in Egypt, specifically, even though animal mercy is at the core of all religions.

In your opinion, what is the best way to empower women in Egypt?

Media and educating both men and women about respecting each other.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I’m working on really improving myself in 2016. I want to have my first concert, finish my album, and also finish a child educational program that includes music Do you promote this on your social media in any and manners and it will be taught in many schools way, in addition to your music? Since so many and institutes in Egypt and around the world. I’m also people respect you and are fans. planning to go to Los Angeles next summer to keep Yes, absolutely! I even post pictures and words on discovering more music internationally. explaining the things that I want to change in people’s minds and behaviour.

Talking about your music again, it is very interesting that Beautiful Muhammad is sung in English, while many of your songs are sung in Arabic. Why is that?

Beautiful Muhammad was strictly a response to the terrible movie that was made to mock Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); it was dedicated to the whole world so all the non-Muslims and non-Arabic speakers could know the true manners of Prophet Mohammed March 2016 Identity 57

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HADIA GHALEB

I believe there’s a huge power that lies in social media platforms, enough to even make businesses prosper.

Founder of Ghaleb Production House

What is the thing you love the most about your career?

The thing I love the most about my career as GPH’s managing director is when I see a brand that we’re handling doing great and excelling! The thing I love the most as Hadia Ghaleb is the love of my fans, when they stop me in the street to take pictures with me.

Did you ever find any times that you were professionally doubted, and how did you respond?

I have to say, not many times have I been doubted because of my gender. But I have definitely been doubted because of my age, being only 22 and running a business.

Founder of the integrated marketing and communications company Ghaleb Production House, Hadia is a popular social media personality who promotes fashion, art, and healthy living.

Having graduated from AUC with a degree in Economics, Hadia is a savvy and successful entrepreneur who is still only in her early twenties.

What have been some of the most exciting moments so far?

One of the most exciting moments was when I got a call saying that Vince Camuto‘s team in the USA picked me for a big project. I was still only 27k followers.

Another great moment was when I watched myself on TV during Ramadan for a big commercial and got a call from one of our clients in Kuwait congratulating me after seeing the advertisement.

What do you think were some of the factors that helped you and continue to help you succeed in such a competitive field?

The support of my family.

What do you think are the most important social media platforms in terms of influencing fans and why?

I think Instagram is the most important but Snapchat is next. The more visual a platform is, the more influential it is. Pictures and videos are stronger than words, that’s why Twitter is very slowly dying now.

Snapchat will pick up because it’s more real and On your Facebook, you describe yourself as a personalized. trendsetter who gives daily inspirations. You have over 200k followers on Facebook and 171k followers What were some of the unexpected challenges on Instagram. In our day and age, how powerful you found while making a name for yourself in the do you see platforms such as your social media fashion and business world? For example, you were accounts in influencing opinion? How do you use young when you began your now very successful this power, and what are some of the causes and business. Was this ever a barrier?

Of course I did face many challenges, and am actually ideas that you really like to support in your posts?

I believe there’s a huge power that lies in those still facing; one of which is the fact that Egypt as a platforms, enough to even make businesses prosper. country and an economy is still trying to reach a I never thought of it as use of power, rather just satisfactory state in the most basic commodities. That continuing what I started off to do, just expressing said, we have a long way to go regarding the market myself through my style. I would love to support for luxury goods, and since fashion is to a big extent causes like gender equality, and the importance of based on that, it is very hard to pursue fashion. How can you expect a population to care about what they education. sport when they’re still trying to provide food on the table?

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Who do you find inspiration from?

My true idol is Chiara Ferragni, not because she wears this and that and travels here and there, but because she was able to make a business out of it all, putting her on Forbes.

The fields you are in are very demanding and timeconsuming around the clock, what do you do to separate your professional life from your personal life? Do you have any advice for other busy women in the workforce?

I do not know how to separate them and it gets so exhausting! I’m the one who needs advice, HELP!

In your opinion, what is the best way to empower women in Egypt and to change the perception of women in our region?

What are some of the differences between working I just think that women have to continue to ask in fashion when you started and working in fashion for what is lawfully theirs, work hard, and prove now? What are some of the best lessons you have themselves. Be leaders. learned from your experience?

The market is much bigger, willing to spend more, and Where do you see yourself in the future? definitely more educated about the field overall. We I see myself operating GPH branches around the still have a long way to go though. The lessons I’ve GCC and having my own brand, following in Chiara’s learned are to always rely on family and on yourself, footsteps. work hard, stay humble, and opt for perfection.

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vests, sweaters, and slippers, to things for the home, such as blankets, rugs, and coasters, to anything else you could imagine, such as bracelets, purses, and even tennis shoes.

INSPIRING PROJECTS

BY WOMEN IN EGYPT

La Maison de Crochet was designed to create short and medium term employment. It addressed the specific employment challenges faced by youth and women in Egypt’s poorest and most marginalized governorates; the ones suffering from persistent high levels of unemployment and lack of basic social service.

The economic opportunities come through employing the talent of women in areas such as Ain el Sera and also by hiring and teaching men marketing skills. All of the products are high quality and locally hand made, as part of Nagwa’s goal to replace the expensive imported products with more affordable Egyptian made versions. Despite all of the challenges of running a viable project, Nagwa Mahmoud succeeded and managed to build and grow her business at a time when many knitting and sewing shops were closing their doors due to the hard competition with large factories.

Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things

by Amina Moustapha

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t’s no secret that women play a major role in the development of their societies, especially Egyptian women; they are marked by their endurance and their ability to take responsibility. Despite the challenges of women employment opportunities in Egypt, more than 35% of Egyptian women are the breadwinners for their families. Some leaders have seen those challenges and decided to do something about it, by creating projects that provide employment and income opportunities for those who otherwise may not be able to find them.

These powerful, inspiring, and ambitious women are all around us, but we do not always seeing them in the media, although they deserve more than just recognition. They merit encouragement and support for having enough guts to follow their dreams and turn them into reality. We decided that it was time for a change; it’s time to bring their efforts to the light and acknowledge their impassioned journeys.

They are skilled, ambitious, and intelligent women who have made valuable contributions to their communities by creating job opportunities in our marketplace, and empowering their fellow females 60 Identity March 2016

by increasing access of poor women to services through greater economic empowerment.

Let’s share the experiences and expertise of these dedicated women in targeted projects and entrepreneurial initiatives. We hope this collection of stories will not only inspire and uplift, but also encourage and empower others to find their own voice as well, passing on the legacy of leadership from one generation of women to the next.

LA MAISON DE CROCHET Nagwa Fathy Mahmoud’s knitting needle addiction led her to start her project “La Maison De Crochet;” she used the craft to both express herself and to pursue her vision in life of supporting Egyptian women and culture. By keeping a savvy business eye on the bottom line, she used her passion for knitting and grew her tiny idea from scratch into a major success.

If you browse through the photos on the La Maison De Crochet Facebook page, you can see the wide variety of talented and creative pieces for sale, all supporting local Egyptian artisans and marketers.

The items range from clothing pieces, such as shawls,

ZAHRAWAN Zahrawan is a nonprofit foundation that proves it’s never too late for housewives to have a chance when it comes to working outside of the home. Founded

by Dr. Cherine Fathy, it encourages women, and also men, from all walks of life to use their talents in a productive way, whether it’s through cooking, handicrafts, commerce, or other areas. Participants have a chance to sell their goods and creations at one of four villas in Cairo. Their food is delicious, homemade, and the menus are coordinated each day, providing an incredible experience for their hungry diners. Their products from clothes, household products, and jewellery are unique, remarkable, and all around mind-blowing.

To start such a huge project is not an easy feat, Dr. Cherine worked hard with a large volunteering team of brave and persevering women until they got the foundation off on the right foot. The foundation quickly became a major success, despite being a nonprofit. All of its income goes to charity, and the customers just keep coming.

At the same time, the organization didn’t stop at merely empowering women in the centres but

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Egyptian women are marked by their endurance and their ability to take responsibility.

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women empowerment

expanded to community development. Zahrawan started more projects that not only provide income to the poor and vulnerable governorates but also with durable rural infrastructure and social services which further enriches the opportunity for economic and social development at the local level.

GEBRAA Rania Seddik launched the social enterprise GebRaa with a specific goal in mind: protecting the traditional Egyptian crafts at risk. Located at the Greek Campus in downtown Cairo, this project is based upon the “Khayamia” industry. This patchwork craft traces its roots back to ancient Egyptians. GebRaa also creates handicraft products made of porcelain and seashells, in addition to being the first project in the world to use palm midrib wood as raw material in their home décor line. Their products use all natural and ecofriendly materials.

GebRaa’s main target is to promote succession in this disappearing craft by offering training to marginalized artisans from both genders. This allows them to become economically and socially empowered, appreciated, and a chance to take pride in their cultural heritage. It supports product development to match the needs of socially conscious local and international customers striving for unique production.

We must not forget that success is not defined by external labels of achievement, but by internal alignment of values and the fullest expression of who you are. It is inspiring to see amazing women around us using their ambitions and dreams to help empower those around them, because every female, regardless of age, culture, religious or socioeconomic status, should be entitled to the basic human right to live her voice out loud and become a leader in her own life.

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editorial Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel

Al Ahram Beverages Celebrates Winning 8 International Prestigious Wine Awards

PAMPER YOUR MOTHER CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL & OMAR KHAYYAM CASINO Every mother deserves special attention even for just a day, to give back just a little of everything they have given us.

For every mother dining at Saraya Gallery on Mother’s day from noon till midnight, a 50% discount will be granted to the Mum’s meal as a special treat. For a sweet treat, the Bakery will have cakes decorated with Marzipan flowers for a delectable bouquet of absolute love!

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL, CAIRO Get your mum out of the stress in her life and pamper her with Mandara spa’s package of 30 Minutes body scrub, 30 minutes facial, 50 minutes Swedish or Aromatic Massage refreshment for LE 1,100.

Grab your family to celebrate with her in Mirage Café, you pay for 3 and Mum is for free, and don’t let her miss the chocolate fondue Indulgence that will change her mood. All this is available throughout April.

SHERATON MIRAMAR Sheraton Miramar will share your care and celebrate this event with you with lots of options you can choose from. Dining at Sheraton’s buffet or specialty oriental & Italian restaurants or a relaxing time at dazzling views of the Red Sea, a variety of massage, sauna & steam room are all available for your mom to be pampered.

KEMPINSKI HOTEL, SOMA BAY Make your mum the queen on her day and surprise her with an out-of-the-ordinary gift! Book her a magical getaway on Mother’s Day for a memorable stay in the haven of tranquillity and relaxation at Soma Bay with an exceptional package.

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Kempinski has created exciting events and activities to make your mum’s stay memorable.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, ALEXANDRIA Let your mum enjoy a mini getaway to Alexandria with the magical view of the Mediterranean shore, relaxing time at the spa or lounging around the indoor heated pool, and a 20% off on room rate until end of March, 2016.

Byblos restaurant offers a generous buffet featuring delicious Egyptian homemade dishes on the 21st of March at LE345 per person. Grand children will be well taken care of at the kid’s corner. Also Lobby Lounge creates the spot for a family afternoon tea.

RENAISSANCE CAIRO MIRAGE CITY HOTEL Your mother is the family’s backbone, so don’t miss the chance to have a thankful family dinner to her at Chinoix and enjoy our Chinese Family-style menu where mums can dine on us. On this day Citron is offering you a family style menu to share together and have nothing but enjoyment of food and fun.

You can also pass by En Passant and choose from the most unique Mother’s day cake just for your Mum. SONESTA HOTEL, TOWER & CASINO – CAIRO Sonesta offer you a variety of choices to pamper you mom; indulge her at the Italian restaurant “La Gondola” with it inspiring ambiance and a complimentary cake.

At “Baalbak” Restaurant, she can enjoy the oriental live entertainment.

A cup of an afternoon tea along with an irresistible freshly baked dessert from our Fauchon - Salon de Thé. Treat her to a day of luxurious spa treatments at Bien Vivre.

Grand Marquis Red received: • Silver Medal from AWC Vienna • Silver Medal from the New York International Wine Competition • Bronze Medal from the San Francisco International Wine Competition • Bronze Medal from the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Ayam White won: • The Silver Medal from the San Francisco International Competition • Bronze Medal from AWC Vienna • Bronze Medal from the International Wine & Spirits Competition in the UK.

Ayam Red won: • The Bronze Medal from the San Francisco International Wine Competition • The Bronze Medal from the New York International Wine Competition.

Al Ahram Beverages Company hosted a dazzling gala dinner at Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski in celebration of its winning 8 international wine awards for the first time ever.

Three of ABC’s finest wines, Grand Marquis Red, Ayam White and Ayam Red, competed internationally to win numerous esteemed awards from Vienna, the United States and the United Kingdom.

These wine awards are considered to be some of the most challenging in the world of wine and adhere to strict international quality standards. Setting the standards of wine judging and the benchmark for quality in various countries, these awards instill further the credibility and trust in Al Ahram Beverages’ high Pantone Balck C quality products.

C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100 With a wide-ranging portfolio of alcoholic Pantone 123 C C:0 M:28 Y:100 K:30beverages, Al Ahram Beverages produces quality wines that are now among the world’s top global wine competitors, making it a key player both locally and internationally. gianaclisvineyards

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editorial

SIZZLING BREAKFAST AT ROY’S

CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL I knew this breakfast was going to be a good one the moment my Roy’s Breakfast Casserole was served still sizzling. I felt like I could see the flavours wafting up from the cast iron pan the mouth-watering creation was served in, with the combination of potatoes, bell peppers, turkey, beef bacon, beef sausage, cheese and egg still hot from the kitchen. To put it lightly, I was in paradise.

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and caramelised bananas, but the best part was that And the menu did not disappoint! Roy’s offers a full the bread itself was homemade in Roy’s kitchen. I breakfast menu with a number of tantalising options. loved it so much I almost didn’t have room to steal The best part is that you don’t have to choose some of Menna’s waffles. Now again, I said almost. between savoury and sweet, because you can choose The waffles were fresh and served with blueberry one of each. The breakfast casserole that I selected topping, whipped cream, and sweet maple syrup that is one of the most popular choices from the savoury reminded me of home. category, and it was so delicious I could see why!

Menna chose the Country Spinach Omelette, with Actually, the entire restaurant makes you feel at perhaps some heavy persuasion on my part because home. Roy’s is a little piece of countryside America I really wanted a bite. It was an amazing choice, with in the heart of Zamalek. Already the perfect the perfect combination of spinach, mushrooms, combination of cosy and fancy with its wooden and Provolone cheese all warmly folded into a huge furniture, brick fireplace, and welcoming staff, the omelette shell. It was also served with a side of beef dining experience was just made more complete with sausage and bacon, but I was mostly excited about the addition of breakfast. the tasty potato pancake that came with it!

Roy’s breakfast menu is offered daily from 7 to 11. It We were so engrossed in our delicious dishes we has even more options I will have to go back and try, almost forgot we had ordered the sweet part. Now, including the Crunchy French Toast, Nutella Pancakes, I said almost. It’s really difficult to forget about and Egg-White Omelette. For 120++ EGP, you can Caramelised French Toast and Blueberry Waffles. The choose a savoury item, sweet item, and fresh juice and French toast was covered generously with walnuts coffee. It’s hard to imagine a better start to the day.

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I don’t mean to brag, but having grown up in the Midwest of the United States, I am kind of an expert when it comes to American breakfast. Pancakes, French toast, omelettes, skillets, you name it, I’m all about it. So as soon as I heard that my favourite American-style restaurant had added a breakfast menu, I grabbed my best friend Menna and snatched us a polished-hardwood table next to the sunny windows. To be honest, I mostly took her with me so I could try whatever she ordered, because I wanted to sample everything!

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bits & pieces

SUPERSTAR YOUSRA ANNOUNCED UNAIDS GOODWILL AMBASSADOR AT CAIRO MARRIOTT The Cairo Marriott hotel was honoured to be the selected venue for the UNAIDS event announcing superstar Yousra as UNAIDS Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa.

A huge number of public figures, senior government officials, ambassadors and religious leaders were part of the event to emphasize the importance of solidarity to end AIDS and HIV by 2030.

CHI HAIR CARE CELEBRATES A DECADE OF SUCCESS IN EGYPT Last month CHI commemorates its’ 10-Year Anniversary with the launch of the critically acclaimed new Kardashian Beauty line of styling products and tools. The press conference was followed by a large celebratory event attended by a number of celebrities and elite members of the Egyptian society. True to the CHI ideology, the new line focuses on providing products that only utilize healthy ingredients free from harmful substances thus being health and environmentally friendly.

LA MODE A BEYROUTH – CAIRO FASHION WEEK. MEETINGS GET THE LUXURY In the presence of the Acting TREATMENT AT THE NILE lebanese Ambassador in Cairo, RITZ-CARLTON, CAIRO celebrities and stars, various The Nile, Ritz-Carlton, Cairo fashion magazines, national is making its mark not just as newspapers, TV Channels, and a luxury lifestyle hub but also Egyptian fashion designers, a as a conference and events protocol was signed between destination. The quality of the Multi-Art-Cairo and L.I.P.S service complements the elegant management-Beirut granting surroundings of six exquisite the first “ La Mode A Beyrouth meeting spaces in Cairo, including (LMAB)” franchise (LMAB-Cairo) two stunning ballrooms “Al Qahira” the biggest fashion week to be and “Alf Leila Wa Leila”. In addition, done in Cairo and the Middle the hotel’s outdoor venue is one East. of a kind as it is framed by views of A gala dinner was hosted at the the Egyptian museum. The lavish ROYAL MAXIM PALACE KEMPINSKI gardens are designed to create the 5th settlement on the 9th of ultimate cocktail setup that can February 2016, and LMAB-Cairo accommodate up to an impressive will be launched from 10 till 15 1000 guests.

November 2016.

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HILTON ALEXANDRIA KING’S RANCH ROOMS SPA AND PACKAGES NEW EXCLUSIVE SPA & ROOMS PACKAGES Take a break by booking your 3 day “TIME OUT RELAXATION PACKAGE” for “EGP 1460” per person per day in a single room & “EGP 2310” for two persons per day in a double room. OR, book the 3 day “ACTIVATE YOUR BODY PACKAGE” for “EGP 1190” per person per day in a single room & “EGP 1770” for two persons per day in a double room.

MERCEDES-BENZ EGYPT WELCOMES NEW CEO Mercedes-Benz Egypt, is pleased to announce that Thomas Zorn has assumed his duties as the company’s CEO, effective February 2016. He brings to MercedesBenz Egypt more than 30 years of professional experience within Daimler organization in various roles and different markets across the globe.

SAMSUNG UNVEILS NEXT GENERATION SMARTPHONES AT THE CORE OF ITS CONNECTED GALAXY EXPERIENCE The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge couple sleek design with powerful performance including advanced camera features, water resistance, and external memory.

INSPIRED BY THE GOLDEN ERA FILMS ZAY OOD EL KABREET MAD SOLUTIONS RELEASES 3 OFFICIAL POSTERS FOR ZAY OOD EL KABREET

TATWEER MISR MARKS FIRST KEY LAUNCH OF 2016 WITH HOMES SURROUNDED BY LAGOONS IN ITS PROJECT IL MONTE GALALA, SOKHNA IL Monte Galala’s new launch includes a number of fully furnished cabanas as part of the new phase.

A CHINESE CULINARY ADVENTURE TO BE DISCOVERED AND EXPLORED. Exotic Shanghai chic settings, welcoming attentive service and a menu that can stand up proudly beside the best of them.

Chinoix restaurant is a destination to add to your ‘must try –feel good’ dining out list!

AS PART OF ITS EFFORTS A true gem, graciously tucked away TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE in the Renaissance Cairo Hotel, DEVELOPMENT USING Chinoix does not only present a RENEWABLE ENERGY PepsiCo participates in UNDP and wonderfully diverse menu – it will American Chamber’s conference blissfully indulge you with all that through its “Liter of Light” initiative we love and adore about Chinese to discuss the private sector’s role . dec’or.

SONESTA HOTEL, TOWER & CASINO – CAIRO HOSTED THE AFRICAN MEN’S HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Due to its comfortable ambiance and luxurious service, Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino – Cairo has been chosen to host the stay of all subscribed teams for the African Men’s Handball Championship. The 2016 African Men’s Handball Championship is the 22nd edition of the championship and held in Egypt from 21–30 January 2016.

All the players enjoyed their stay a lot and the relaxing ambience of the Hotel. The Souvenir pictures taken show the subscribed team members with Sherif Eid – Sales Manager and Madonna Habib from Public Relations Department.

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your star PISCES

February 19 – March 20

Strengths: Compassionate, artistic, wise, devoted, imaginative Weaknesses: Overly trusting, indecisive, self-pitying, escapist Most Compatible with: Taurus, Cancer, and Capricorn. Pisces are also compatible with other Pisces.

How to Attract Pisces: Inspire them to dream and be creative. Pisces are shaped by their environment, so the moment you become negative, they will lose interest.

Horoscopes ARIES

In terms of your career, March could be a little overwhelming. Focus on your motivation, because other people’s needs will keep getting in the way.

TAURUS

Look forward to your work situation settling this month. But don’t get too comfortable, stay ahead of the game by being there when no one else is.

GEMINI

You may have an itch to cross things off your bucket list, but it’s actually better to solidify your position at work because you have good standing now.

CANCER

Take advantage of your extra charm this month to network. It might take a little extra spending this month, but it should pay off later this year.

LIBRA

If you have a chance in the near future to work more from home, seriously consider it. It could be the step you need to reconcile your work and home lives.

SCORPIO

This month you will have the chance to take more financial risks than usual. Take them if you are up to the challenge, they should pay off by November.

SAGITTARIUS

You may be faced with many career-related offers this month, but don’t make any quick decisions. Take your time to look at all of them carefully.

CAPRICORN

You will happily make great accomplishments at work this month and later into the year, as long as you keep to slow and steady efforts.

AQUARIUS

You can expect progress in the workplace this spring, but don’t expect it to be rushed. Focus on your LEO If you get an unexpected opportunity this spring, finances instead. don’t seize it immediately. If you have questions, leave the big career decisions for the end of summer.

Keep an eye out, Pisces! A solar eclipse this month may reveal an amazing career opportunity that will VIRGO Think big if considering a career change, because you launch you ahead for the rest of the year. may get a lucky break this spring. Remain confident and try for those “out of reach” companies.

PISCES

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The All-New Time to Impress

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