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Role Players 2017


Kawthar Makahlah

Founder & CEO
Bci Group Of Investment Companies

Ms. Kawthar Makahlah, one of the awardee of Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen 2015-2016 by Forbes Middle East, Middle East's Femina Awards 2016, World Luxury Awards 2016 Best Spa Manager, & Stevie and Golden Bridge Awardee, as a businesswoman and as an individual, it is her obligation not just for the success of her company, but to the society as a whole. It is that commitment that drives Kawthar to constantly strive to do better. She says: "It is important that every individual shows social responsibility so that we can maintain a balance between the economy, our ecosystem and society. At the beginning of my CSR projects, I've had company leaders ask me why I feel the need for them. After the project is complete, they start to understand what I am trying to achieve: a commitment to the world around us."

Through her company, Kawthar honors that commitment to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of her workforce, their families and the wider community. The company has taken a holistic approach through its Female Empowerment Programs, targeting three areas for action: health and wellbeing, financial literacy, and workplace empowerment. As a company which consists of 280 employees, out of which are 95% female staff—Kawthar Makahlah takes pride in employing widows, orphans, single women, uneducated and person with disabilities - giving them a chance to earn a good life for themselves and their families.

Those who have not received formal education or training are provided with training until they have acquired the skills, expertise and capabilities to be professional in their work, equipping them with greater opportunities for their future. The company also adopts a liberal democratic style of management which makes all staffs involved in decision making. They have been given an opportunity to free legal services, free transportation, six months' maternity leave which is far more that the statutory requirement. BCI Group also employed several members of the families of the current staff to help them settle and live together as a family.

Moreover, two of Kawthar Makahlah's company, Be Connected International and Beauty Connection Spa, endorse natural and disposable products that promote environmental sustainability and share its vision to support green marketing. Kawthar Makahlah also received certifications from various organizations, including The Vegetarian Society, yet again proving the company's green direction. Additionally, Kawthar supports and recognizes students from various center for the disabled by providing them with work experience in the company; therefore, giving them the opportunity to enter the workforce and change societal perceptions. The founder also takes part in a yearly event, the Pink Walkathon, for breast cancer awareness, and also a supporter of UN Women Empowerment Principles and UN Global Compact. She has also organized several campaigns and events to raise funds for the disabled and one of its attempts is recognized in Guinness World Records. In year 2014, the company broke the record for the most nails filed and varnished over a period of eight hours. A team of 100 nail technicians manicured 50,000 fingernails to raise money for a disability center. "A good business is not the only measure of success," says Kawthar. "What's more important is to create goodness—an essential ingredient for the future." As of the moment, Kawthar's businesses, Beauty Connection Spa and Be Connected International recently awarded again as the Best Beauty Salon and Best Salon and Pool Supplier by the Middle East Spa and Pool Awards 2015 and MEA Business Awards 2015, WhatsOn Awards Best Spa 2013 & 2015, and Best Beauty Salon - Global Winner in the previous World Luxury Award 2016