womanthismonth.com | APRIL 2025 WOTYA 2025 10 Huda Janahi Huda Janahi is a pioneering Bahraini entrepreneur and one of the Arab world’s most recognised business figures. She is the Founder of Global Cargo and Traveller Services, a company she established with just BD1,000 in start-up capital from a modest office in Muharraq. Despite facing initial rejection due to gender-based restrictions in the cargo industry, she persisted, eventually securing commercial registration through the support of the UNIDO Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Programme. Since launching her enterprise in 2001, Ms. Janahi has built a diversified business portfolio spanning services, retail, media and manufacturing. Her 2008 merger with Kuwait’s Global Logistic Company, valued at US$3 million, marked a significant milestone in her regional expansion. Today, she owns eight companies employing 85 staff, with her estimated net worth standing at US$25 million. Her contributions to entrepreneurship have been widely recognised. Among her accolades are the Mohammad bin Rashid Award for Best Arab Start-Up (2005), the MENA Investor of the Year Award (2006) and the GCC Young Entrepreneur Award (2008). In 2008, she was named among the 50 Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Arab World by Forbes and was commended during the World Economic Forum by the President of the United States. UNIDO has since honoured her with the Leader Entrepreneur Award” and named her an Entrepreneurs Ambassador for her advocacy of women’s economic empowerment. Ms. Janahi has served as an ambassador for Visa International, a jury member at international entrepreneurial forums including in Denmark, and remains active in national initiatives such as Injaz Bahrain. Her longstanding commitment to women’s advancement is underpinned by personal experience and professional success. On her appointment to the Woman of the Year Awards 2025 Main Jury, she notes: “It is truly an honour to serve as a member of the jury. Being part of a platform that celebrates extraordinary women from diverse walks of life is both humbling and inspiring. I believe in the power of recognition to uplift, empower, and create a ripple effect of positive change across our communities. I’m proud to contribute to this meaningful celebration. Recognising women’s achievements is essential – not only to honour their contributions, but also to break down barriers and challenge outdated stereotypes. When we celebrate women, we validate their impact and inspire future generations to aim higher.” Noora AlNusuf Noora AlNusuf is a seasoned corporate communications leader with over two decades of experience shaping brand, reputation and stakeholder engagement across the banking and investment sectors in the Gulf region. She currently serves as the Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing (CABM) for Standard Chartered Bank across Bahrain, Iraq and Qatar. In her current capacity, Ms. AlNusuf leads the CABM strategy for three diverse markets, overseeing a wide portfolio that includes public affairs, external media relations, client communications, digital engagement, community initiatives and the bank’s sustainability agenda. She is also the Chair of the Bahrain Association of Banks’ Sustainable Development Committee, underlining her commitment to embedding ESG priorities within the financial ecosystem. Her previous leadership roles have included Head of CABM for Standard Chartered in the Middle East (formerly UAE), Regional Director of Communication at Abu Dhabi Investment House, Head of Corporate Communication at BBK and Marketing Communication Manager at Batelco. Her breadth of experience has allowed her to navigate complex regulatory environments, shape strategic narratives and build impactful communication frameworks across both corporate and public platforms. Ms. AlNusuf holds a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with a concentration in International Communication, along with a minor in Art Design from The George Washington University. Her academic and professional background together underscore her dual ability to deliver high-level strategic thinking and creative brand execution. She says: “I am honoured and privileged to be a part of WOTYA 2025 and it will be personally very interesting for me to witness the various contributions of women to our community. It is important for us to celebrate achievements by every member of society, especially women, because they encourage and inspire others to take the same steps and do more, creating new opportunities for themselves.”
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