The Cartier Women’s Initiative awards ceremony, held on May 22nd in Shenzhen, China, honored impactful women entrepreneurs worldwide. The event revealed the 2024 awardees and outlined details for the 2025 program edition.

The theme for this year, “Forces for Good,” emphasized the program’s dedication to promoting a fairer and more equitable world. Female entrepreneurs were commended for their positive social and environmental contributions.

Salma Bougarrani from Morocco claimed the top spot for Green Watech in the Middle East and North Africa category. The company offers a soil-based wastewater treatment system tailored for rural communities. Rania Gaafar from Egypt clinched second place for ADVA, a company facilitating access to low-interest loans for self-employed individuals. Shahira Yahia, also from Egypt, secured third place for Chitosan, empowering smallholder farmers through organic agriculture.

The ceremony bestowed top honors upon three Indian entrepreneurs and three fellows each from Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa and Anglophone & Lusophone Africa.

Sophie Doireau, CEO of Cartier for the Middle East, India, Africa, and Türkiye, emphasized the remarkable applications received and the transformative potential inherent in these women-led businesses.

“Each of the fellows selected is unique in her own way, and all are passionate about leveraging businesses as a force for good. They are collectively transforming the sectors they operate in and creating lasting impact in their communities.” 

Hosted by gender equality advocate Sandi Toksvig, the ceremony included a conversation with Cartier CEO Cyrille Vigneron, who highlighted Maison’s pride in backing this community of changemakers and expressed Cartier’s belief that when women prosper, humanity flourishes.

Supermodel Karlie Kloss and Olympic champion Guo Jingjing were the guests of honor. They shared their insights on gender equality and the importance of inclusivity for unlocking everyone’s potential.

The ceremony concluded with the announcement of awardees across all 11 categories, including regional and thematic awards such as the “Science & Technology Pioneer Award” and the “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award.”

Looking ahead, the 2025 Cartier Women’s Initiative ceremony, scheduled for May 22nd at the Women’s Pavilion of the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, will pivot its focus. It will celebrate former fellows whose businesses have made significant, measurable impacts within the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals framework.