Philadelphia's 'Spread Some Inspiration' campaign commences its fourth edition

The campaign celebrates the contributions of women in philanthropy, community development and charitable causes across the GCC. Originally launched in line with the International Women's Day in 2010, this year Philadelphia rolled out the campaign in partnership with UN Women - the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and empowerment of women globally - for the second year in a row.

The partnership renews Philadelphia's pledge to donate 8% from its sales proceeds in Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates in support of a UN Women project aimed towards women's economic empowerment in GCC.

Present at the event were this year's panel of eminent judges headlined by HH Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qassemi, A multi-faceted Emirati, accomplished artist, successful entrepreneur as well a committed philanthropist and devoted mother, Dr. Rana A. Al-Fares, Director at Kuwait University Construction Program, Ms. Lina Khalid AlMaeena, Founding Member and Director of Jeddah United Sports Company in Saudi Arabia, an organization that channelizes women's aspirations in sports and Dr. Sameera Al Tuwaijri, Regional Director Arab States, UN Women.

In addition, UN Women's official partnership was represented by. Mr. Mohammad Naciri, Deputy Regional Director, Arab States Regional Office, UN Women. The event also saw representation from senior officials of Mondelēz International along with some of the campaign's previous nominees and judges, all of whom have contributed significantly to their respective communities and countries across the GCC.

Commencing today, women from the region who have made extraordinary contributions to others around them can share their inspiring stories on www.phillyarabia.com until the 6th of April. Spread Some Inspiration with Philadelphia is an open forum for women to either submit their own stories or nominate stories of other women who spread feelings of joy, love and hope through their efforts in community relations and philanthropic initiatives. .The jury members will then shortlist the three most compelling stories, and the public will be invited to vote online for one story that has inspired them the most.

Citing the rapid growth of the campaign, Mr. Vishal Tikku, Area Director, Middle East for Mondelēz International stated, "I am happy and proud to see a simple initiative we started four years ago, transform today into a significant women's empowering platform."

"We are also humbled and honored by UN Women's continual support to the campaign for the second year in a row. Philadelphia will be donating 8% of its sales for this exciting UN Women project and the contribution will be channeled towards economic empowerment of women from the region. ", added Tikku.

On the occasion, Mr. Mohammad Naciri, Deputy Regional Director at UN Women stated, "UN Women's partnership with Philadelphia's Spread Some Inspiration campaign was extremely fruitful last year and the financial contribution was effectively utilized towards UN WOMEN´s work on economic empowerment of women. We are thrilled to continue our partnership, and this year we will focus specifically on enhancing access to entrepreneurial opportunities for women"
"This initiative is in particularly great because it highlights the extraordinary in the ordinary, giving women who are doing incredible things an opportunity to be recognized. The partnership between UN WOMEN and Philadelphia is a perfect example of cooperation between a UN organization and the private sector to bring about the aspired change in women's lives in the region, and most importantly, providing an opportunity for women to be able to empower themselves", he added.

Philadelphia's Spread Some Inspiration campaign was instituted in 2010 in line with International Women' Day with an aim to recognize unsung women heroes of the region thereby bringing much needed awareness and recognition for their respective causes. Till date, the campaign has brought to the forefront inspiring stories of approximately 250 women from the GCC. The campaign has flourished into one of the region's most significant forums for women that recognizes and rewards them for their inspiring contributions to community.

Or just scan the specially created QR code for the campaign below for easy navigation to the official website.