Rename “Parenthood”

To celebrate mothers in the Middle East, around Mother’s Day recently, Babyshop, a leading Middle East retailer, along with its agency, has created a new Arabic word: Al Umobuwah.
Arabic contains a variety of words that stem from paternal-centered roots, including the word for “parenthood”. Written “الابوة” and pronounced “Al Obuwah”, it translates into “fatherhood”, omitting mention of the mother. Other words for “parenthood” such as the one from UN called “Walediya” are also derived from paternal-centered roots.
To represent a brand that stands for “Celebrating parenthood”, the agency worked with a team of Arabic writers to introduce a new Arabic word to include mothers and fathers. “الأموبوة”, pronounced “Al Umobuwah” translates into “Motherhood & Fatherhood”, and gives both parents equal representation in the word.
With the introduction of “Al Umobuwah”, Babyshop wishes to recognize and celebrate mothers not just for Mother’s Day, but for every other day.
An online video launched to share the idea and purpose behind the campaign, features people who have embraced and used the word.
Arab Influencers have shared the idea and are endorsing it and are creating social media interactions with their followers around it.
The word will also be shared across schools. A new clothing line titled“Al Umobuwah” has been launched for toddlers, infants, kids, teens and adults with a show planned to introduce the collection.
The campaign includes in-store and out-of-store interactive experiences, to get people acquainted with the word, eventually aimed at getting this word into the Arabic dictionary.