Latest news with #Marwa
Morocco World
12-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Enactus Morocco's SIF 2025: Youth-Driven Innovation Lights the Way to a Greener Future
Casablanca – A spark in Casablanca this week, and it's not just from the July sun. It's the spark of a new generation of young Moroccans turning sustainable ideas into powerful realities. At the Grand Mogador Hotel on Wednesday, the semi-finals of the 6th edition of the Sustainable Innovation Fest (SIF) unfolded with sharp ambition, entrepreneurial fire, and a promise: Morocco's future is not waiting, it's building. The event , organized by Enactus Morocco in partnership with SPARK as part of the EU-funded Green Forward initiative, gathered students from across the kingdom, 12 finalist teams out of 145 clubs, to compete for a chance to represent Morocco at the Enactus World Cup in Thailand. A marriage of vision and action to inspire change From the hotel lobby to the conference hall, the air was alive. Young entrepreneurs networked, practiced pitches, and swapped ideas, while inside, juries were briefed on their mission. The MC laid it out plainly: 'Innovation is not invention, it's action. Judge not just what was said, but what was done and what will surely be done.' He reminded jurors that Enactus doesn't interfere in projects but fosters growth through guidance. 'Be direct. Be fair. Push them to become great leaders.' And greatness followed. In League 1, FST Mohammedia opened with a vision to tackle student housing challenges through a three-pronged innovation: 'Aji Nkriw,' an affordable housing solution, 'CoTalib,' a student-centered consulting service, and 'NutriVital,' a line of sustainable snacks and eco-bags for youth. FP Larache followed with a powerful initiative: 'Tijwal,' a tourism platform reconnecting rural Morocco with visibility and economic opportunity. Their second project increased the market value of Moroccan salt production, raising prices from 1,000 MAD/ton ($100/ton) to 2,500 MAD/ton ($250/ton), and from 2.5 MAD/kg ($0.25/kg) to 92 MAD/kg ($9/kg), to benefit local craftsmen. But the spotlight belonged to ENSA Tangier, whose seamless presentation highlighted four distinct projects. From transforming textile waste into new crafts and upcycling fig leaves and flowers into teas, to a mental health platform rooted in social inclusion, the team embodied cross-sectoral sustainability, from circular economy to psychology. From the audience, students expressed admiration. 'Each team had a unique energy,' Yasmin, a Moroccan high schooler, told Morocco World News. 'The passion, the synergy, the presentations… unforgettable.' Her friend Marwa agreed: 'The way they pushed each other, the public speaking, it was beautiful to watch.' A Saudi college student in attendance echoed the sentiment: 'The organization was amazing. I was particularly inspired by the team tackling water pollution and the other pushing for economic growth in rural areas by supporting small companies there.' After a lunch break, the festival's tone shifted to reflection and collaboration with the Agora de l'Innovation, a cozy space designed for connection. Couches, stands of former Enactus projects, game stations, and a DJ playing in the background made it feel more like a campus than a competition. But in the heart of the room, critical conversations were taking place. Three roundtables focused on green tech, carbon footprint reduction, and seizing sustainability opportunities. 'Don't wait to be told what to do' The Agora's keynote came from Saad Abid, founder of Bahri Association, who delivered an emotional and action-driven speech. He began with the story of Mouad, a young boy who died after stepping on a tuna can at the beach, 'A victim of our pollution, our carelessness,' Saad expressed. He then challenged the youth in the room: 'Don't wait to be told what to do. Push for teaching kids to vote and take initiative in any way. Build Morocco. Build Moroccans.' 'Over 27 million people will die by 2050 due to climate change, and nearly a billion will be displaced,' warned Saad Abid. 'We must fight climate injustice, and stand for humanitarian causes like the Palestinian struggle. Build Morocco. Build Moroccans.' With those words, he ignited a room full of young changemakers. In a Q&A, Saad told MWN: 'Choose a field you love. Do it for free. For a cause. Keep doing it. Let your added value grow into purpose.' He closed with: 'Even if you fail, try. Even if they punch you in the face. Just start. Do it with intention. Be so great, others around you become great.' Gen Z's quest: clean and impactful Later, Jihane Maklouki, Marketing and Communications Head at Flormar, brought a corporate lens to sustainability in her speech. 'Gen Z is a clean generation,' she said. 'They look for clean products, clean lives, and clean impact. When we launched our limited edition green collection, it resonated so much we had to make it permanent.' Her advice? 'Be a change ambassador. Represent the change. Inspire the change.' As the event wrapped up with a live podcast and final roundtables, one thing was certain, this event wasn't only about the competition, it was rather a greater movement. As one participant from Enactus FSJES Ain Chok told MWN: 'I truly don't see this as a normal competition , it's one that pushes me to grow and develop my entrepreneurial spirit. Enactus taught me to believe in my ideas, my self-worth, and what I can do for society.' SIF 2025 is a stage for solutions. A classroom for collaboration. And a mirror reflecting a new Morocco led by the very people shaping it.
Zawya
19-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
Safe spaces transform lives of displaced women in war torn Sudan
Since the outbreak of conflict on 15 April 2023, Sudan has witnessed one of the world's fastest-growing displacement crises. Over 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes as of 16 June 2025, including more than 2 million women and girls, many of whom are now living in overcrowded shelters or with host communities across the country. In Gadaref State, hundreds of thousands have sought refuge, placing immense pressure on services and resources—particularly for women facing heightened protection risks. When the war broke out, 35-year-old Marwa—not her real name—left Khartoum to seek refuge and safety. Like many internally displaced persons (IDPs), she found herself in Hay Al-Malik, a densely populated neighborhood in the heart of Gadaref State, sheltering thousands of displaced people by the ongoing conflict. Here, IDPs and host community members live side-by-side, often sharing houses due to soaring rents and limited resources. Marwa's early days were marked by intense psychological stress. Living with more than ten people in a small house without privacy, especially for women, left her feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Cultural differences deepened her sense of displacement, and she struggled to adapt. 'I rarely left the house or spoke to other women,' she shared. 'I didn't know how to adjust or where to turn.' A turning point came when Marwa heard about a new women's safe space established by Hope and Friendship for Development Organization (HOPE), in partnership with UN Women, and supported by the Government of Japan. Encouraged by outreach efforts in the community, she visited the Al-Malik Safe Space and immediately felt a sense of belonging. It was a space created by and for women—a place to talk, share, heal, and grow. With each visit, Marwa's confidence grew. She joined a life skills training and received psychosocial support that helped her regain emotional balance. She also participated in awareness sessions on harmful traditional practices, gaining tools to inform and uplift others. Over time, she became actively involved in managing activities alongside social workers, transforming herself from a participant into a leader. 'From the first day, I felt that this space belonged to us,' she said. 'It's our duty to protect it and keep it going.' Now, Marwa supports other displaced women and girls in accessing the safe space and envisions expanding it further. She emphasizes the need to include children, especially those with special needs, in future programming. She also expresses a strong desire to help sustain the space beyond the program's timeline, working with other women to preserve what they've built together. Marwa's story illustrates how access to a safe, inclusive space—combined with psychosocial and life skills support—can plant the seeds for long-term empowerment and resilience. With continued support from the Government of Japan and implementing partners, women like Marwa are not only rebuilding their own lives but helping others do the same. *Marwa's name has been changed to protect her privacy Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Khaleej Times
20-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How learning coding helped this mom connect with her kids
A stay-at-home mother of three in the UAE, has taken a unique journey into the world of coding to better support her children's growing passion for robotics. What started as a way to connect more with her three children, who are between 10 and 15, has turned into something much bigger — teaching Marwa Mostafa new skills, sparking personal growth, and positively shaping both her work and home life. Her journey hasn't just transformed her, it's also empowered those around her. Notably, each year, on March 21, families across the Arab world come together to celebrate Mother's Day, a meaningful tradition. Ahead of this day, in a heartfelt conversation with Khaleej Times, Marwa opened up about her inspiring path of learning and growth. 'I've learned so much from coding, and it has truly transformed my life as both a coder and a mother of three,' said the 37-year-old Egyptian mother, reflecting on her journey. Her path into the world of coding began with a simple desire to support her children, who were enthusiastic about robotics. 'My journey into coding began because my kids have a passion for robotics, and I wanted to be involved in helping them explore that interest,' she added. Collaborative approach Her transformative experience took place at 42 Abu Dhabi, a coding academy that emphasises collaborative problem-solving and creative approaches to learning. Marwa, who originally has a degree in Business Administration added, 'During my time there, I learned how to collaborate with others, approach problems creatively, and solve them together. This experience has not only changed my perspective but also brought me closer to my kids.' The skills she acquired through coding played a pivotal role in her parenting. For example, when her children encounter new concepts in subjects like mathematics, the mother now applies a technique she learned from coding: breaking complex ideas down into smaller, manageable steps. 'When my kids learn something new in math, we break the lesson down into parts to make it easier to understand. Over time, this method has made everything smoother, and now it feels natural,' she added. Her children are not the only ones learning valuable lessons from her journey. 'At first, it was challenging, but as we went along, we became more comfortable and worked well together, helping each other,' she said. 'Watching me break down problems and solve them step by step gives my kids the confidence to face their own challenges and trust their abilities.' Learning to use technology comfortably Coding has also helped her children gain an important life skill — the ability to use technology confidently and logically. 'Through coding and digital tools, they're learning to use technology comfortably and think logically, which improves their schoolwork and problem-solving skills,' she noted. This hands-on approach has turned everyday learning into an adventure, inspiring her children to engage with tech and robotics projects at home. 'My coding journey has not only allowed me to learn new things but also helped my children in their education. They now see learning as an exciting adventure, which makes school feel more fun,' she said, with a sense of pride. 'When I work with technology, I show them how things work in the real world, which helps them understand subjects like math and science better.' Balancing act Recently, Marwa graduated from 42 Abu Dhabi after completing a year and a half-long capstone project, which she describes as an incredibly enriching experience. 'I finished my capstone project last week,' she said. 'It wasn't necessary to attend every day, but if you love coding, you naturally want to go as often as possible.' Her routine was demanding, balancing her duties as a mother and a coder. 'I would drop my kids off at school, then head straight to 42 Abu Dhabi. After my day there, I'd return home to work with my kids. Sometimes, I also worked on my projects after school or during vacations,' she explained. It was this combination of determination, collaboration, and passion that allowed her to maintain a fulfilling balance between her personal life and career aspirations. She hopes through her actions, she can prove to be a role model for her children. As she puts it, 'Ultimately, coding has given my children a unique advantage. They're learning important skills like problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy, all while seeing firsthand that learning can be fun and rewarding.'
Russia Today
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
‘Safari hunting Alawites': Relatives of those murdered in Syria's massacre speak out
In the early days of March 2025, Syria's coastal regions were engulfed in a wave of sectarian violence that have left an indelible mark on the nation's collective conscience. Predominantly targeting the Alawite minority, the atrocities have reignited fears of deepening sectarian divides and underscored the challenges facing Syria's path to stability. It all began on March 6, when armed men loyal to ousted President Bashar Al Assad launched an attack on Syrian state security forces in Latakia. The current President – Ahmed Al Sharaa – responded with force. Thousands of armed men engulfed the region and retaliatory attacks began. Their target was the Alawite community – a minority sect within Shiite Islam to which the Assads belong. Comprising some ten to thirteen percent of the entire Syrian population, the Alawites have traditionally lived in the coastal region: Tartus, Latakia and other cities and towns – and this is exactly where the gangs of Al Sharaa arrived on that fateful Friday. Reports indicate that over a span of 72 hours, more than 1,300 individuals were killed, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 830 civilians were among the dead, alongside 231 Syrian security force members and 250 Alawite militants. But the actual numbers could be much higher. RT has spoken to two people whose families are stranded in the area, and they paint a harrowing picture of the brutality inflicted upon the Alawite community. Marwa, whose name has been changed for security reasons, recounts what happened to her brothers: 'It all started on March 6, when we heard shooting and the authorities imposed a curfew. In the morning of March 7, we got in touch with all our family members on our WhatsApp family chat. My brother living in Latakia warned everyone not to leave their houses. And that was the last time we have heard from him'. Marwa says that after he stopped answering messages, they sent another brother – who lived nearby – to check on him. But when he reached his place, he discovered a dead body, with multiple bullets scattered on the ground. Out of grief and frustration, the brother went out to the street and started shouting at armed men he found in the neighborhood, accusing them of his sibling's death, a mistake that cost him his life. Marwa and her family didn't have a possibility to bury their dead. She said people were terrified to be associated with the Alawite sect, fearing for their lives. 'I have heard it from at least fifty people. Those gangs would knock on the door and ask residents whether they were Sunni or Alawite. The latter had no chance to survive'. But murder was not the only sin committed by 'Al Sharaa's gangs', Marwa claims. Apart from slaughtering entire families, they have also engaged in robbery; set cars, houses and businesses on fire, and left total destruction behind them. 'Hundreds of people from my surroundings were so terrified to stay at home that they opted to seek refuge in the forest or the mountains. Many of them spent their nights there, without food and water, with their only hope being to survive the ethnic cleansing,' she argues. Isabella, also not her real name, says that it was a 'safari hunting Alawites'. 'Some villages near Hmaymeim airport have lost all their men – young and old – who have been assassinated in cold blood. They killed children and women – no distinction – inside their homes, markets, fields and streets. Bodies have been seen everywhere – on the streets and the valleys'. Once the videos of the atrocities started surfacing, the international community responded with alarm. Multiple leaders issued a condemnation. Amnesty International called for swift action to protect civilians and prevent further unlawful killings. The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, urged prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial investigations to address those grave violations. Al Sharaa needed to act, in order to preserve his legitimacy in the eyes of the international community which has just removed some sanctions on Syria. Shortly after the massacre erupted, the Al Sharaa administration announced the formation of an independent fact-finding committee to investigate the killings. Yasser Farhan, the committee's spokesperson, emphasized that 'no one is above the law' and pledged to arrest and prosecute those responsible. However, Marwa says she doesn't trust the committee that was formed by the government 'that was originally the sponsor of those factions and their atrocities'. And Isabella tends to agree. 'The gangs of Al Sharaa changed the clothes on some of those victims, dressing them up in uniforms to show the UN delegations and the Al Jazeera crews that they were fighting armed rebels. The bodies of others were buried to conceal evidence'. 'UN employees, who visited some of the villages were accompanied by Al Sharaa militants who chose where to take them, and who they could speak to. Before the arrival of the UN staff, villagers were offered packs of bread. Some were given money to change testimony, others threatened with torture and death if they dared to speak the truth'. The international community, says Isabella, is not interested in miring itself in the Syrian mud anymore – they have bigger fish to fry at the moment: the economic situation is becoming dire, the war with Russia is weakening them, and confrontation with the US doesn't help either. Syria and its people are not top of their priority list. And that means that the future of Syria is now in the hands of the Syrian people, and they will be the ones who will need to shape it. Steven Sahiounie, a Syrian-American journalist from Latakia, expressed deep concerns about the nation's future: 'I'm afraid of the future because these massacres made created a deep divide between the Syrian people and the 18 Syrian sects. Syrians went through this in the 80s and it took them about 20 years to heal. Then came the Arab Spring in 2011, and the gap has become much bigger, and now this massacre has happened – it is going to take decades until these wounds vanish, if at all'. Isabella echoed the sentiments, warning of long-term consequences: 'The scariest thing is that violence will continue for the next generations. Do you think those who lost their families will forget? They won't, these recent massacres will leave an indelible scar on the nation's psyche and that means that violence will not go away,' she summed up. Sahiounie says the situation in Latakia and the surrounding areas is calmer. Security forces have arrested several of the culprits featured in the massacre videos, shooting is not heard anymore, water and electricity supply has been resumed, food has become available. Authorities – pressured by the West, Turkey and Qatar – are taking measures to bring those responsible to justice. But many people, who have fled the area, fearing death, refuse to go back; and Isabella and Marwa doubt that trust will ever be restored.
Khaleej Times
08-03-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Women's Day 2025: 4 times UAE women made country proud
People all over the world celebrate International Women's Day on March 8 to honour the women in their lives. From the workplace to familial ties, women are doing it all, leading generations and sparking change across various fields. The theme for 2025 is 'accelerate action', which emphasises the need to take swift steps to achieve equality, and remove systemic barriers that women face. Here are four times UAE women have paved the way for others in their different fields, from engineers to athletes to photographers. What started as a way to gain acceptance from her family and community culminated in a historic achievement for this young Emirati. Marwa Al Mamari, the UAE's first aerospace engineer, joined the field "without realising" she was the first Emirati to pursue it. With a penchant for academic excellence, she initially expected to become a doctor, but later wanted to explore a new field, and "step out of her comfort zone." While her family was initially uncertain about her decision, they gave their blessing, and the young engineer also had the support of the country's leadership. "You don't have to live the same dream forever; you can start a new one, work toward it, and achieve it,' she stressed. As a mother, she stressed there is no single recipe for balancing family and career; it is simply a matter of trying again and again. After completing her studies, Marwa assumed a pivotal role at the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as a specialist in accident prevention and safety recommendations within the accident investigation sector. Marwa was recognised at the Emirati Women Achievers 2024 organised by startAD, a global accelerator based at NYU Abu Dhabi that guides startups in launching, developing, and scaling their businesses. Emirates' Equestrian Fatima Al Ameri, a 32-year-old Emirati, embodies the spirit of resilience as she takes control of her horse's reins. The athlete who faced bullying for her riding style almost gave up during her early training, but her passion overpowered her desire to leave, and she went on to be named "Emirates' Equestrian," capturing the hearts of many. Fatima went viral for her horseback salute to President Sheikh Mohamed during the UAE's 53rd National Day celebrations. She describes the ruler as her "father and master." Horse riding is not the only sport she embraces; camel racing is another field where she continues to break barriers. Fatima made history as the first Emirati woman to participate in an international event at Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Festival in Taif. She uses her voice to encourage young girls to participate in equestrian sports, and emphasises the importance of proper training. All-women esports team From young girls interested in gaming, these Emiratis went on to become competitive athletes who represented UAE on their global debut at World Esports Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November 2024. The country's first all-female esports team felt a "sense of responsibility" to do well for the country and pave the way for women in the field. Among the members of the UAE female team were Moza Khalid (25), Fatima Al Ansari (24), and Mariam Al Shamisi (34). The young athletes have the support of the women in their lives, like their mothers, friends, and sisters. The global debut was a "surreal feeling" where all the hard work paid off, the esports team members said. These women inspire young girls to work at it, no matter what their dream is, and "develop, grow, and achieve greatness.' First female nuclear safety inspector This 22-year-old initially did not fully understand the field of nuclear engineering; however, her passion for science and the country fuelled her determination to succeed. Meera Al Mheiri made history as the first Emirati woman to take on the role of nuclear safety inspector at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR). Her first site visit was "quite dramatic; I even fainted," the young scientist said. Having graduated as one of the top students from the nascent nuclear programme, she was determined to adapt her lifestyle to adapt to the intense physical demands of working on construction sites, especially in harsh conditions. Meera continues to volunteer and learn constantly, balancing her work with her hobbies. With her hunger for knowledge, she recognised the importance of observing the experts around her and learning as quickly as possible. 'I wasn't as intimidated as much as I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility,' she said.
