In the Arab world, several female leaders have received notable acclaim for their outstanding contributions to empowering women and youth. Multi-award winner Zahra Baqer is one of these outstanding female leaders.
Zahra is an inspiring businesswoman from Bahrain, whose influence extends far beyond her role as the owner of Zari International Consultancy Center. Specializing in business development, branding, and event management, she is renowned for her innovative solutions and keen eye for detail, significantly impacting her field.
Written by: Naeem UI Hassan
International Recognition and Advocacy
Zahra is internationally recognized for sharing the inspiring stories of Arab businesswomen and successful entrepreneurs on global platforms. Her commitment to empowering others and sharing knowledge has established her as a respected voice within the business community.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Zahra’s dedication to community engagement is evident through her multifaceted roles, including:• Board Member of the Bahrain Handball Union Federation• Board Member of the Bahraini-Omani Friendship Association• Adviser to the United Nations Federation (UNF) and Representative in Bahrain• Brand Ambassador for World Speech Day in BahrainAs the Brand Ambassador for World Speech Day, Zahra passionately advocates for the power of public speaking, emphasizing the significance of every voice.
She believes that sharing ideas can ignite change and inspire action within communities. Though no longer directly involved with the Yasmeen project, she remains a devoted supporter of global women empowerment programs.
Female Entrepreneurship
Zahra believes that entrepreneurship is the only path to economic empowerment and autonomy for women and is essential to the nation’s economic development, job creation, innovation, and societal change.
She has made a significant contribution to the promotion of female entrepreneurship through a variety of venues, such as the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Society (BSMES), Yasmeen Society (a Global Initiative for Women’s Economic Empowerment), the Entrepreneur Toastmaster Club, Bahrain Quality Society, Business Women Society, Bahrain Women Union, Bahrain Debate Toastmasters Club, University of Bahrain Student Council, the World Women Entrepreneur Summit (WWES) UAE, and the Islamic World Kazan Forum Russia.
Her commitment to empowering businesswomen and fostering their connections and collaboration is amazing.
Distinguished Accomplishments
Zahra’s trailblazing initiatives set her apart from others in her industry. She was the first Bahraini trainer to be chosen for Injaz by the Saudi Ministry of Education and the first to instruct the Events Management program in National Guard Affairs Saudi Arabia.
In 2015, she organized and trained the first Youth Quality Program in the Kingdom of Bahrain.In addition to receiving the LGM Super Award and the LGM Bronze Membership Award, she was named Ambassador of Peace by H.H. Princess Basma Bint Talal and received the Entrepreneurial Leadership Award at the First International Conference for Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan 2018.
She was chosen as the United Arab Emirates Positive Ambassador Representative for the Positive Ambassadors Initiative in Bahrain and appointed as a global public speaker to highlight the achievements of young people and women.
Her inclusion as a role model in Islamic banking and finance in the widely read book The Contribution Of Women In The Global Islamic Economy is one of her great achievements.
Zahra’s accomplishments are too many to list here. Women have always played a crucial role in society, ensuring the stability, progress, and long-term development of nations. Because of her outstanding work to empower women and girls, who make up half of the world’s population and, therefore, half of its potential, Zahra has become a global icon in youth and women empowerment.