Philanthropy : The BARKAT Initiative
We believe generosity creates a positive spiral of impact, keeping us grounded, wholehearted, and grateful. We recognize that the privileges and opportunities we have are gifts, not entitlements — and they can be taken away at any time. That’s why we don’t take our blessings for granted.
Through initiatives like the BARKAT Program, empowering women entrepreneurs in MENA; the SHINE Program, nurturing self-worth and resilience in women of all ages to make broader societal impact, we invest in building stronger communities and future-ready leaders and make for a more inclusive world.
5% of the revenues go to supporting BARKAT programs.
The Programs
BARKAT, meaning "blessing" in Arabic, is our flagship social impact initiative dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs and emerging leaders across the MENA region. Over the past two years, we’ve completed five successful cohorts, each designed to foster leadership growth, business acumen, and personal resilience. Through group coaching, success partnerships, and transformative exercises, BARKAT has become a catalyst for both professional success and personal breakthroughs. Women from Tunisia, Lebanon, Palestine, Nigeria, Jordan and other countries have participated in BARKAT.
"I had the privilege of participating in the Barakat Program, and I can wholeheartedly attest to the profound impact it has had on my life, both personally and professionally. This program has been nothing short of transformative. The knowledge gained through the program's workshops has enhanced my ability to lead, collaborate, and innovate in my field. The Barakat Program has been a life-changing journey that has empowered me to become a more effective leader, a more engaged community member, and a more resilient individual. I am deeply grateful for the experiences and opportunities it has offered me, and I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking personal and professional growth while making a positive impact on the world. " - Ghalia Al Awick
SHINE is a unique personal development and empowerment program for women. It aims to help participants discover their intrinsic worth, strength, and purpose. Through a holistic and strengths-based approach, SHINE emphasizes celebrating individuality, building self-esteem, and fostering meaningful connections.
The primary aim of Shine is that each participant develops an understanding of her own personal worth, strength and purpose. This program is founded on the premise that every life counts and has intrinsic value. The SHINE program is supported by extensive research, including frameworks from psychology, social work, and education. It draws on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology to enhance participants’ self-belief and interpersonal skills.
Femme Forward is a social impact initiative born from our BARKAT program, where participants are invited to create lasting change in their communities. Women from each BARKAT cohort are encouraged to establish Femme Forward Circles to support female youth between the ages of 20 and 25. The inaugural circle was led by Zahra Sbeih from Barkat Cohort 2 (BK2), setting the foundation for this growing movement.
Femme Forward envisions a world where every young woman in the MENA region has access to mentorship, resources, and community to realize her ambitions. By leveraging the globally recognized Lean In model and principles of Action Learning, Femme Forward nurtures emerging female leaders, helping them tackle real-world challenges with confidence. Through community-building, skill development, mentorship, and networking, Femme Forward Circles create safe spaces for young women to connect, grow, and become future change-makers in their communities and beyond.