touch celebrates Lebanese Mothers and Iconic Media Figures, hosting a gala lunch to honor the Golden Faces who shaped Lebanese media
Beirut, March 28, 2017: touch, the leading mobile and data operator in Lebanon, managed by Zain, hosted its annual Mother’s Day lunch, raising the sentiment of the occasion. Marking this special day, the company this year chose to honor some of the golden faces of Lebanon’s media mothers, who have helped establish the country’s media industry and turn it into one of the leading ones globally. The lunch recognized the accomplishments of these women, whose faces and presence are forever etched into the memory of Lebanon.
The lunch took place at Kempinski Hotel Beirut and was attended by the Minister of Telecommunications, HE Jamal Al Jarrah, and the Minister of Women’s Affairs, HE Jean Ogassapian. Also present were members of the media, touch management and mothers, as well as key Lebanese influencers.
Mother’s Day has always been a meaningful day for touch, and this year the company channeled its appreciation of the role of mothers by honoring legendary media personalities including: Jeanne D’Arc Abou Zeid; Nadia Habib Arida; Haifa Jaroudi; Souad Karout El Achi;’Maha Salma; Neamat Azouri Oussi; Neamat Karout Chatila; Wafaa El Oud; Badiaa Baydoun; Dolly Ghanem and Giselle Khoury. These women have all stood out in the region as pioneers who defined the way we understood local television and media in general.
Telecommunications Minister Jamal Al-Jarrah thanked touch for hosting such an exceptional gala lunch in which it honors mothers, stating that women not only constitute half society but are also the main drivers behind its growth and development. He said, “Today we honor icons from Lebanese media, its golden faces that symbolize our culture and media. These are the women that allowed Lebanon to become at the forefront of the media scene in the region and the world. They are a part of history that continues to shape our future with their incomparable work ethic, moral standards and objectivity. There’s nothing we would love more than to revisit that golden era once more.”
Al-Jarrah also mentioned the great efforts exerted to promote the telecommunications sector and restore Lebanon's leading position, providing the Lebanese with what they deserve from advanced means of communication, impeccable Internet and the latest technologies. Despite the challenges Al-
Jarrah emphasized the ministry’s determination to attain progress especially for the younger generations and university students who need all the latest services at their disposal, hoping to make it all happen very soon.
In his speech, Minister of Women's Affairs Jean Ogassabian said: "These distinguished media faces made a difference in our lives, always reminding us of the Lebanese women’s abilities. In addition to being mothers, women play a fundamental role in building a nation. They are essential partners in decision-making, which poses a challenge for all of us to create a place for them in the parliament and the council of Ministers. "
"My words are far from empty. I truly believe that Lebanese women have the ability to succeed in whichever fields they desire." he added.
Commenting on the occasion, Emre Gurkan CEO of touch Lebanon said, “Mother’s Day is that time of the year when touch reflects on the positive role women play in society. This year we took the opportunity to remember key media personnel who truly nurtured our understanding of great Lebanese media, to the point that they became family. These golden faces inspired this distinctive event and we would like to extend a warm message of appreciation for their contributions, both as mothers and as professionals, to Lebanese society. As for all the female employees at touch and media friends, you make a difference every day. It is an honor to celebrate you as women and mothers on this auspicious occasion.”
Gurkan continued, “I would also like to applaud the efforts of the Ministry of Telecommunications in ensuring Lebanon remains at the forefront of the telecommunications sector regionally. It is an exciting time for all of us, especially with the introduction of 4.5G paving the way for 5G and beyond. With the support of the Ministry of Telecom, Zain Group’s resources and the talent at touch Lebanon we will successfully embark on a new digital transformation journey bringing increased innovation to the communications sector in the country and taking full advantage of the digital growth opportunities.”
Mothers ought to be honored every day. They constitute the very fabric of the maternal bond that holds families and societies together. Touch will continue to celebrate this special occasion, and encourage female empowerment and appreciation throughout the year.