LONDON: A group of pioneering Saudi women spoke about their experiences in leadership roles at an event hosted by female advocacy group Johara Global at the Saudi Embassy in London on Thursday. Raha Moharrak, the first Saudi woman to ascend Mount Everest; Sawsan Al-Bahiti, the first Saudi female soprano; and Nawal Al-Khalawi, a culinary artist, all discussed how the narrative of female leadership was changing in the Kingdom and wider Middle East. They also spoke about the challenges they have faced as women, overcoming them, and how their journeys have redefined female inclusion in a society reforming under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Reema Juffali, one of the first Saudi females to hold a motor racing license and named as one of 100 of the world’s most inspiring and influential women by the BBC, was also a guest speaker. L-R: Katie Partridge, Reema Juffali, Sawsan Al-Bahiti, Nawal Al-Khalawi, Raha Moharrak, Intisar Al-Yamani. (Supplied) Saudi Ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar opened the event. In his opening address, he expressed his admiration for the positive strides made by Saudi women and the importance of cross-cultural understanding. Saudi ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar opening the event. (Supplied) Katie Partridge, chairwoman of Johara Global, also highlighted how men can play a role in women’s empowerment. “Our mission is to support the evolution of women’s leadership through a culturally unified platform,” she said. “We also acknowledge the positive roles men play together with women for the betterment of their societies.” Intisar Al-Yamani, the organization’s CEO, added: “Johara Global is one of its kind. We are committed to providing an exclusive platform for like-minded women to inspire and to give back to society. Learning is the main pathway to success.”