Empowering Voices: Marie Claire Arabia's Journey to Gender Inclusivity

In an era where inclusivity and diversity reign as crucial pillars of media representation, Marie Claire Arabia stands at the forefront of change. Communicate sits down with Farah Kreideh, the Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire Arabia to delve into their bold approach towards producing content that breaks barriers and fosters inclusivity. Under the umbrella of Mediaquest, the parent company, the publication has not only committed to amplifying diverse voices but has also made history as the first in the region to pledge support to the UN's Unstereotype Alliance. Here's an inside look at their inspiring journey toward becoming a beacon of gender inclusivity in the Middle Eastern media landscape.

In the image above: Farah Kreidieh, Editor-in-chief of Marie Claire Arabia

How is Marie Claire adapting to the evolving definition of gender inclusion and diversity in the fashion and lifestyle industry?

Marie Claire Arabia is committed to embracing and celebrating the evolving definitions of gender inclusion and diversity in the fashion and lifestyle industry. We understand that inclusivity goes beyond just representation; it's about ensuring that every individual's unique experiences and stories are acknowledged and respected. Through the power of storytelling, we actively feature a diverse range of individuals in our content, breaking down traditional stereotypes and showcasing a wide spectrum of gender identities. Our stories are a platform for authenticity, enabling us to share personal narratives that inspire our readers to express themselves authentically and confidently. By weaving these stories into our content, we create a tapestry of experiences that reflect the rich tapestry of human identity.

Promoting women's empowerment standards in the GCC region has always been one of the core values of our publisher - Mediaquest, which Marie Claire Arabia is part of and supports these standards at all levels. Last year, we became one of the first media organizations in the Arab world to join the UN Women's Unstereotype Alliance in the UAE and the first publisher in the Arab region to adopt the UN Women's Empowerment Principles. We are still working hand in hand with the United Nations and the Unstereotype Alliance in our constant journey to empower women and to achieve one of the most important objectives of this initiative, which is to eliminate harmful stereotypes in the media and advertising and create a more inclusive media landscape. This initiative brings together leaders from multiple fields, whether advertising, decision-makers, or creators, to end harmful advertising stereotypes, and help build a world free of advertising stereotypes while empowering individuals in all their diversity. This commitment is deeply ingrained in our storytelling approach, allowing us to contribute positively to the transformation of perceptions and attitudes in society.

As a publication, what values does Marie Claire hold onto? Especially concerning representing Arab women internationally.

Core Values and Representing Arab Women: Marie Claire Arabia was a pioneer ahead of its time, presenting not just the latest trends in fashion and beauty, but also offering thought-provoking and substantial journalism. This empowering and innovative blend quickly gained widespread acclaim. At the heart of Marie Claire Arabia's ethos lies empowerment, authenticity, and inclusivity. We take great pride in showcasing Arab women on a global stage and searching for new talent. Our content mirrors the multifaceted aspects of their lives, their aspirations, and their accomplishments, all while challenging stereotypes and misconceptions. By amplifying their voices and narratives, we contribute to a more nuanced and accurate understanding of their unique journeys. Importantly, we built a community around these women, creating a collective force that amplifies their power.

Our commitment to empowering Arab women is deeply woven into our legacy and continues to steer our editorial choices. We believe in the strength of the modern Arab woman as a catalyst for change and progress. Our purpose is to spotlight her diverse talents and contributions. Through an eclectic mix of fashion, beauty, and substantive journalism, we equip our readers with the tools to confidently navigate the fast-paced world while embracing their cultural roots. By merging contemporary storytelling with an unwavering dedication to authentically representing Arab women, our publication stands as a wellspring of inspiration and empowerment for all.

In what ways does Marie Claire Arabia maintain its editorial integrity when entering into new partnerships?

Maintaining Editorial Integrity in Partnerships: When entering new partnerships, Marie Claire Arabia remains steadfast in upholding its values and principles. We not only retain our core values but also strive to create a lasting impact. Our approach involves crafting memorable shoots that resonate with both the brand and the featured talent. To achieve this, we meticulously develop compelling ideas, drawing inspiration from mood boards that encapsulate the essence of the project. From the initial concept to the meticulous attention given to every detail during the shoot, our goal is to create an experience that is not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant. We firmly believe that every collaboration marks the inception of a new chapter, fostering a meaningful connection between the brand, the talent, and our readers.

This commitment to maintaining our editorial integrity while fostering authentic and impactful collaborations ensures that our content remains true to our values while providing our partners and talents with an opportunity to shine in a genuine and resonant manner.

Building a strong brand identity is crucial. How does Marie Claire Arabia ensure a consistent brand image while catering to the diverse interests and preferences of its readers?

Building a strong brand identity while catering to diverse interests is a dynamic process at Marie Claire Arabia. Our audience is expansive, spanning across the GCC countries. To cater to this diverse readership, we publish two magazines every month—a special edition for KSA and another for the Gulf countries. This tailored approach allows us to address the unique preferences and trends of each region while maintaining a consistent brand image.

We recognize the importance of striking a balance between the universal appeal of our brand and the individuality of our readers. Our content strategy revolves around overarching themes such as empowerment, style, beauty, culture, and lifestyle. By doing so, we ensure that our content resonates with a wide spectrum of interests, while our core values and identity remain unwavering. This careful balance enables us to continue inspiring and connecting with our diverse readership while upholding the essence of Marie Claire Arabia.

In the digital age, online presence is paramount. How has Marie Claire Arabia effectively translated its luxury and lifestyle content to the digital realm, and what role has digital media played in your success?

In the digital age, the online presence of Marie Claire Arabia is paramount to our success. Our digital and editorial teams work in close synergy to seamlessly translate our luxury and lifestyle content to the digital realm. Recognizing the significance of personal connection, our digital platforms are enriched with the presence of individual team members. This personalized approach enhances the welcoming and intimate atmosphere we aim to cultivate. Our readers are invited to engage with our team members, fostering a sense of connection. We want our readers to feel like they know each member of our team, creating a community that transcends the screen.

Digital media has played a pivotal role in expanding our reach and engagement. Through innovative storytelling formats, interactive experiences, and multimedia content, we maintain a consistent flow of information that resonates with our readers across various platforms. This digital evolution enables us to cater to the preferences and habits of our digitally connected audience. At Marie Claire, we are always up to date on the latest trends, ensuring that our digital presence reflects the ever-changing landscape of the luxury and lifestyle industry while remaining true to the essence of our brand.

The luxury sector often requires an in-depth understanding of cultural nuances and trends. How does Marie Claire Arabia tailor its content to cater to the cultural preferences and sensibilities of its audience in the Middle East?

Tailoring Content to Cultural Preferences: The luxury sector often requires an in-depth understanding of cultural nuances and trends. At Marie Claire Arabia, we take this aspect seriously to provide content that deeply resonates with our audience in the Middle East. With the help of our recently appointed, Editor-at-Large, Obeida Danhach, we dive deeper into the intricacies of the region's cultures. She brings invaluable insights and perspectives to our content creation process. By working collaboratively, we enter into the heart of cultural details, ensuring our content is sensitive, respectful, and relevant to the diverse preferences and sensibilities of our audience. From fashion to lifestyle, our approach is infused with a genuine appreciation for the local ethos, allowing us to create a meaningful connection with our readers. Through this partnership, Marie Claire Arabia is committed to maintaining an authentic dialogue that bridges global influences with the rich tapestry of the Middle East's cultures and traditions.