Arab Women: Past, Present and Future

Professor Wadouda Badran, Director General of the Arab Women Organization, said:

“The image of Arab women in the West is probably one of the most negative aspects held about Arabs. The Arab Women Organization (AWO) hopes that by giving factual information about Arab women, Western eyes will see a different and more positive image. This adjustment and mutual understanding is a necessary step toward more respect of other cultures, accommodation of their differences and establishment of sustainable peace and coexistence. Direct discussion between people of different cultures is probably one of the most important tools to challenge the stereotypes about Arabs in general and the status of Arab women in particular.”

The AWO seminar will:

• Hold an interactive dialogue on points of contention, principally the status of women in the Arab world.
• Substantiate women's active political, social and economic roles in early civilizations of the region as well as in the present.
• Convey information about the opportunities and challenges to advancing the cause of women's rights in the Arab world.
• Provide information about the teachings of Islam concerning women's rights and duties.
• Acquaint the audience with the rights and duties of Arab women under Arab legislations.

Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, will give a key note speech at the seminar. The opening session will also be addressed by Professor Wadouda Badran, Director General of the Arab Women Organization, Sir John Boyd, KCMG, Master of Churchill College, University of Cambridge, Mrs. Haifa Al Kaylani, Chairperson of the Arab International Women's Forum (AIWF), and Ms. Shahira Zeid, Chair of the Women's Strategy Group, Egypt's International Economic Forum.

This seminar includes six sessions, on women in ancient civilizations, women in Islam, women in Arab legislations, Arab women in science and technology, Arab women's achievements in the past decade, challenges and future plans.