One of the earliest types of inequality is gender inequality. The absence of female economic involvement costs the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region $575 billion annually. The region's female unemployment rate is 15.5%, about three times greater than the global average, and 6.7 percent for men.

The highest gender ownership difference in the world, accounting for almost 40% of all established enterprises, is found in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2021 states that, at the current rate of progress, it will take 143 years for the region to close the gender gap. Increased female participation in the business community could aid in resolving many of the region's economic issues, including addressing current disparities and generating jobs and income.

Given the current gender gap and the increasing recognition of women entrepreneurs' contributions to national development, it is imperative to have a deeper understanding of their situation in the region. Women in the MENA region are typically expected to fulfill traditional tasks in the home and as caregivers, with the majority of these responsibilities falling on them.

Empirical studies indicate that this frequently presents challenges for women who own their own enterprises when juggling work and family responsibilities. Sixty-two percent of individuals reported feeling pressured to marry and start families rather than find stable employment. They indicated that because they were women, people were generally distrustful of them and their enterprises, and they believed that males detested or despised them for being entrepreneurs. Even so, the majority stated that they felt more at ease as entrepreneurs than as employees, despite feeling unsupported.

Being a female artist and entrepreneur who can effect change through her art is crucial in this kind of ecosystem. That's precisely what Pop and Toast, Anna McKeown's studio, is doing.

An artist offering bespoke artwork and prints: Meet Anna McKeown

Anna McKeown, the vibrant soul behind the Pop and Toast brand, is an Irish artist who has taken the art world by storm with her bold, celebratory creations. Born in Belfast and now splitting her time between her hometown and Dubai, Anna's journey as an artist is as colorful as her canvases.

After graduating from the prestigious Glasgow School of Art in 2009, Anna spent a decade nurturing young talents as an art teacher. However, her own artistic flame continued to burn bright, leading her to create Pop and Toast in 2018 as a creative outlet. What began as a hobby soon blossomed into a thriving international business, with her artwork now gracing homes and establishments worldwide.

Anna's art is a joyful explosion of color and energy, drawing inspiration from the glamorous worlds of fashion and popular culture. Her signature bottle paintings, which have become synonymous with the Pop and Toast brand, are more than just pretty pictures. Each piece tells a story, evoking memories of special moments, places, or people. It's this emotional connection that has made her work highly sought after by art enthusiasts and high-profile clients alike.

From the pages of British Vogue to the walls of Dubai's eclectic Iris restaurant, Anna's art has found its way into diverse spaces. Her client list reads like a who's who of luxury brands, including Clase Azul, McConnell's Whiskey, and Jawbox. But Anna hasn't stopped at bottles. Her expanding portfolio now includes large-scale portraits, luxury perfume prints, and bespoke commissioned pieces featuring iconic brands such as Tom Ford, Chanel, and Jo Malone.

What sets Anna apart is not just her artistic talent but also her ability to transform spaces. Pop and Toast has evolved into a comprehensive art service, offering everything from consultation to installation for both residential and commercial clients. Her work brings a splash of joy and a touch of glamour to any environment it inhabits.

Despite her success, Anna remains deeply connected to her roots. Her Irish heritage shines through in her work, blending seamlessly with the international flair she's acquired from her time in Dubai. This unique perspective gives her art a universal appeal that transcends cultural boundaries.

Anna McKeown's journey with Pop and Toast is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passion. From a hobby born in 2018 to a global brand just a few years later, her story is as inspiring as her art is beautiful. Through her vivacious bottle paintings and expanding artistic repertoire, Anna continues to spread joy and celebration, one brushstroke at a time.

Meet the Founder

Anna McKeown is the Founder of Pop and Toast.

“Originally creating ‘Pop and Toast’ in 2018, as a hobby outside of her full-time art-teaching role, McKeown’s artwork has become synonymous with its vibrant bottle prints and bright, colorful abstract magazine cover pieces, inevitably becoming well-known throughout the Middle East and beyond.”