Forbes Middle East has unveiled the names of its Most Powerful Arab Women for 2015 ranking, in a Thursday press statement. There are three categories celebrating the successes of Arab women: The 100 Most Powerful Arab Business Women; the World's 10 Most Powerful Arab Women; and the 10 Most Powerful Arab Women in Government. Naglaa Al-Ahwani, the Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation came in the second place of the 10 Most Powerful Arab Women in Government. Nemat (Minouche) Shafik, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England came in the first place of The World's 10 Most Powerful Arab Women. Marwa El Ayouti, CFO Vodafone Egypt was one of the awardees present at the awards ceremony. For its third annual ranking Forbes Middle East revealed three listings. Two that focus on the worlds of business and government, and one that looks beyond our borders to acknowledge those making a difference globally speaking. "Egypt continues to lead the pack, with 18% of entries (candidates) overall across all three rankings, including Nashwa Al Ruwaini, CEO at Pyramedia," the statement read. "Egypt was closely followed by Lebanon and the UAE, both with 14% of the overall entries". 60% of the most powerful businesswomen hold executive management positions, with another 24% having worked their way up to the top of their family business. Out of the outstanding top 100 line-up, over half are working in the banking, investment and finance, and diversified sectors, according to Forbes. The statement said that Egypt is represented by 18 women (18%) of the list of the 100 Most Powerful Arab Business Women; two women in the list of the World's 10 Most Powerful Arab Women (20%); and another two women in the list of and the 10 Most Powerful Arab Women in Government (20%). Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Middle East, Khuloud Al Omian said that Forbes is very proud to have honoured the successes and positions of the most powerful Arab women for the third consecutive year. Al Omian added that the Middle East still has some way to go to reach true equality in the workplace and encouraging all women to strive for their goals and aspirations, no matter what they may be.
