Renowned architect Zaha Hadid has been named the businesswoman of the year 2013 by Veuve Clicquot's annual Business Woman Awards.
A panel of judges from the famous champagne house, Veuve Clicquot, chose Hadid as the deserving winner because of her immense contribution to the industry of art and architecture. They lauded her 'zeal as a businesswoman' and also the pace at which her firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, has grown by leaps and bounds, reports Dezeen.
Check out some projects by Zaha Hadid, here.
Hadid beat other nominated businesswomen like Thea Green, CEO of cosmetics brand, Nails Inc and Dorothy Thompson, CEO of Drax Power Company.
Upon receiving the prestigious award, Hadid said:
"It's hard to believe, but it's still difficult for women to break the business barrier. Through perseverance and hard work, I've been able to do so, but it's been a long struggle. When I started my career in architecture it was very much a male-dominated industry, but in recent years I've seen a growing number of talented female architects join the profession and succeed."
Earlier, in an interview with The Observer, Hadid said that it was easier working in other European countries than in London because the U.K. was very conservative. She also added that there was more skepticism and misogynist behavior in the region. However, she does not blame the men for such conduct.
"I can't blame the men, though. The problem is continuity. Society has not been set up in a way that allows women to go back to work after taking time off. Many women now have to work as well as do everything at home and no one can do everything. Society needs to find a way of relieving women," Hadid said in the interview.
Hadid winning the award is a breakthrough in the architectural industry, especially for the women. Refinery29, a major fashion and entertainment website has dubbed the honor as "Shattering the glass ceiling".
About Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award
Created in 1972 as a tribute to Madame Clicquot, the annual Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award recognizes the success of business women worldwide, who share the same qualities as Madame Clicquot. Her enterprising spirit, her courage and the determination necessary to accomplish high aims are some of the characteristics considered in awardees. It is the first international award created specifically to recognize the contribution that women have made to business life and is now regarded as the "Oscar" for female entrepreneurs and business leaders.
