Filipina-led content platform hosts women-only Iftar celebration in Al Khobar

A group of Filipinas in the Middle East have gathered to host a special ladies-only Iftar gathering in celebration of the International Women’s Month.

Content platform Happy Sandscapes said that the event was their first such gathering for women interested in getting to know their fellow Filipinas in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

“It was an evening of forging new connections and strengthening existing partnerships. The event was also meant for the ladies to recognize the value of self-care—carving out time for themselves aside from their family/profession/husband,” the group told GMA News Online.

“It was our first ladies-only gathering which we hope will jumpstart more events catering to the needs and interests of women here,” they added.

The event yielded 40 registered attendees, who also brought with them their friends and mothers.

During the event, the group said that they discussed women’s self-care and empowerment.

“The event showed to everyone that if women got together, we can make a lot of things happen.  More plans and projects were born out of this gathering,” they said.

“Since our online platform has been gaining momentum, we think holding a ladies’ event will lay down the foundation for more dynamic activities centered on women. More than a social media page, we believe we have a certain degree of influence on a small community of women here in Al Khobar.  We hope to use that and this event to gain traction and hopefully collaborate with more groups to mount other productive and meaningful projects and programs,” the organization added.

The group aims to intended to offer support, empowerment and guidance to Filipino women in Al Khobar.

Filipinas in Al Khobar

Happy Sandscapes, a personal blog and lifestyle page established by a group of Filipina women in Al Khobar in August 2019, has been an avenue for Filipinos and other expats in Saudi Arabia to explore their visual stories, honest reviews, and personal narratives.

The group noted that they intend to offer support, empowerment and guidance to the Filipina community to “navigate these complexities while letting their voices be heard.”

“Filipino women at times can face challenges related to cultural differences and work-life balance… Happy Sandscapes envisions the group to grow into a bigger community that  fosters inclusivity and positivity especially for us who are far away from home. A space that is specifically for them can help create meaningful connections, whether through shared experiences, cultural events, or professional networking opportunities,” they said.

In Al Khobar, Happy Sandscapes noted, Filipino women have been making strides in several different sectors, primarily in education, healthcare, domestic work, and childcare.

With their activities, Happy Sandscapes hope to cater to more Filipinas in the Middle East.

“Having Filipino women working together to create engaging, fun and educational experiences sends a strong message on Filipinas’  resilience amidst diversity. A women-led organization is a powerful tool for change, helping others thrive personally, professionally, and socially, paving the way for greater recognition of women’s contribution in society,” the group said.

“Happy Sandscapes is continuously collaborating with other content creators, Filipino community groups and local businesses for events that can showcase creativity, talent, passion and growth,” they added.

The Ladies’ Iftar and Women’s Month Celebration event was part of the group’s Creative Circles line-up for the year, and will be followed by a Writer’s Coffee Session to take place in May 2025. — BM, GMA Integrated News