Saudi Arabia: Laila Nabih Alnamani

There is an Arabic saying, whose literal translation means: 'Work for your life as though you will live forever and work for your afterlife as if you will die tomorrow'.

— Laila Nabih Alnamani

Laila Nabih Al-Namani was born in Beirut and now resides and works in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. For over 40 years she has worked with the Women’s Welfare Society (WWS) in Jeddah, the first registered private charity in Saudi Arabia, since its inception in 1963. She concentrated her efforts on the Women’s Vocational Training Committee and has been in charge of the Orphanage Committee and in the Treasury of the organization. Her work has significantly helped to provide women and their families with a wide range of services, including social and medical provisions, childcare, and health awareness.

A married mother of four children and grandmother of 12 grandchildren, Laila Al-Namani is a writer and artist in Saudi Arabia. Having completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Art, Arabic Literature and Philosophy she is keenly devoted to arts and the written word as cultural expressions. As someone who takes seriously the importance of books, she gains much of her inspiration from the many texts she reads: "I am an avid reader and there are lots of examples of men and women that inspire me, especially the ones that go to war torn countries to help." Her love of reading inspired her to establish a literary group that brings together people within her community to discuss books and other cultural and social subjects. Inspired by the stories of courage and work of so many people across the world, Laila Al-Namani is also motivated by the memory of her late father. "My late father was the most generous, gentle and active peace mediator and person I have ever known. I always think of him and hope he is happy with me and my work." Laila Al-Namani has translated this motivation into a deep commitment to social and charity organizations in Saudi Arabia, most notably the Women's Welfare Society (WWS). As one of the original members from its inception in 1963, she has worked in numerous capacities in the organization, overseen its expansion, with over 5500 registered families, representing over 35,000 individuals. She humbly says, "in my field of work it is very difficult to talk about personal achievements." Her commitment to the social and charitable organizations has benefited a large number of families and individuals.

Women’s Welfare Society (WWS) Dar El Hekma Private College (HPC) Al Maha Literary Group (MLG)