Spread some inspiration.
Celebrating the many inspiring women living in the Arab world, Philadelphia's 'Spread Some Inspiration' campaign has been held for three consecutive years since 2010, in conjunction with International Women’s Day.
Each year, women are invited to share their inspiring stories online, following which a select panel of judges shortlist the three best stories from the region. The public is then invited to vote online for the one story that inspires them the most. The winner receives USD10k to further her charitable cause, whilst the 2 remaining shortlists receive USD5k each.
Partnerships with Ahlan Magazine in 2010, Anazahra.com in 2011 and UN Women in 2012 have helped make this fully integrated campaign one of the most widely publicized women’s campaigns in the region.
Each year, women are invited to share their inspiring stories online, following which a select panel of judges shortlist the three best stories from the region. The public is then invited to vote online for the one story that inspires them the most. The winner receives USD10k to further her charitable cause, whilst the 2 remaining shortlists receive USD5k each.
Partnerships with Ahlan Magazine in 2010, Anazahra.com in 2011 and UN Women in 2012 have helped make this fully integrated campaign one of the most widely publicized women’s campaigns in the region.
Many people's lives were transformed following this campaign:
Sahar Shaikh, 2010 winner, used the $10,000 to help struggling laborers in the UAE learn English, get better jobs and opportunities. Faiza Natto, 2011 winner, helped deaf and mute girls in Saudi Arabia fully integrate a society that previously shunned them and looked down upon them. Maria Conceicao, 2012 winner, is planning to bring 5 girls from the slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh to the UAE, where they will get an education and be cared for. A move that will change their lives forever.
In its 3rd consecutive year, the Spread some Inspiration campaign earned us a-3 minute segment on national television.
The evolution of the 'Spread some Inspiration' print ads says it all.
PhillyArabia.com homepage for 2011.
Maria Conceicao, Philadelphia's Most Inspiring Woman for 2012, accompanied by 4 of the 700 slum children whose lives she has transformed through the Dhaka project.
Nayla Al Khaja, first Emirati film director and producer, AND one of the Spread some Inspiration judges for 2011.
2012 was a particularly successful year for the Inspiration campaign. UN Women had partnered with the private sector for the first time ever and had chosen Philadelphia Cheese because of the positive message and support it was providing women of the region.
