Cartier woman’s initiative awards

Cartier, in the presence of Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, who heads the jury for the Middle East and North Africa, and Mr Louis Ferla, Regional Director of Cartier Middle East, India and Africa, has announced the finalists of the 2012 “Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards” Also present were three finalists from the Middle East: Iba Massoud for the “Gradberry\" project from the United Arab Emirates, Nermin Saad for “Handasiyat.net\" from Jordan, in addition to Rania Seddik for “Gebraa for Egyptian treasures” from Egypt, who was not able to attend. The 18 finalists, 17 finalists and a team of two co-finalists, were selected among over 1000 applications from around the world, out of which three finalists were selected from the MENA (Middle East & North Africa) region. They will be coached by professionals from Cartier, INSEAD and McKinsey & Co to prepare for the jury presentations in October. The laureates will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on October 11, 2012, at the Annual Global Meeting of the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society, in Deauville, France. The international business plan competition is in its sixth year, supporting women-run enterprise in the six major world regions. This year’s businesses are making an impact in healthcare and sanitation; online business and employment; eco-commerce and fair trade; fashion and culture. “We are honoured to help our finalists build their businesses and make a responsible difference around the globe,’ said Bernard Fornas, President & CEO of Cartier. Applications for the 2013 edition of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards will open on November 12, 2012 and end on March 11.