It might be easy for many women to look good on the outside, but what good is that beauty if there is no personality to compliment it? Any woman can make herself look appealing, but it takes an extraordinary woman to truly have it all. Many of us know such women personally, like our own mothers, and we are always aspiring to be the best possible version of ourselves. 

Globally, women like Queen Rania of Jordan serve as reminders of what a single person can accomplish. We are used to seeing her in the media promoting great causes, supporting charities, and expressing her strong personal beliefs. These days, another admirable royal is making a real difference both in our region and internationally. I am referring to a princess of the Gulf, Princess Amira Al Taweel of Saudi Arabia. She gained this title after marrying his Highness Al-Waleed Bin Talal, and has proven since then that she is much more than just a pretty face. With her husband’s full support, Princess Amira has been speaking out about important issues facing women and different communities in her country. At just 27 years old, she is now the Vice Chairman of the Al-Waleed Bin Talal Foundation and has been pushing the foundation in all of the right directions. Princess Amira strongly advocates women’s rights and has said repeatedly that she would like to be the first woman to legally drive in Saudi Arabia. The foundation is not limited to women’s rights alone; it also supports entrepreneurship, health and educational initiatives, and even has a “Rapid Aid” program for natural disasters. The strong focus on supporting the advancement of Saudi women is a goal that was undoubtedly encouraged by the princess herself.

Princess Amira is never boastful or arrogant, and has repeated numerous times that she was a commoner from a middle-class family before marrying the “Arabian Warren Buffet” Al-Waleed bin Talal. However, she has proven that education is much more important than any title could be. It is, after all, her education that gave her the tools to make the most of her title by becoming such an active part of the foundation. She is often seen on media outlets like CNN interviews and live debates alongside former U.S. President Bill Clinton to continually raise awareness about issues in Saudi Arabia and the struggles that women face there. She always stresses the importance of having Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) such as her husband’s foundation, as well as having civil societies (which include NGO’s, charities, and social communities). Basically, she is an advocate for moving forward in ways that do not rely on the government or the state. The latest advancement for women in her country has been their right to vote, which will be put into effect in 2015. This is a small step, but every step in the right direction is a significant one.

Princess Amira doesn’t just make a difference, but she looks impeccable while doing it. It’s unfortunate, but in our world, people are judged all the time based on their appearance. The princess has actually used this to her advantage by refusing to wear the veil in TV appearances. She says this is not a statement and that she respects women who wear it, but she is not going to change who she is because of the laws in the country she is from. She is hardly spotted with a hair out of place, and her sense of fashion is as stylish as it is elegant. She is often photographed in ladylike skirt suits and feminine dresses with her dark hair styled in long cascading waves. Although she can afford absolutely anything, this princess is never flashy or over-the-top. 

Of course, not all of us have billions of dollars’ worth of resources to make such global impacts and look perfect while doing it, but we can all make the most of what we are given. We need to try to be as productive as possible each day, work towards changing our community for the better, and even reflect the way we feel in the way we dress. Bravo to Princess Amira, and all of the other powerful women in the world that use their power for good.