Women’s rights activists transforming women’s lives in the Arab world
Date:
This year, International Women’s Day focuses on “Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives”. The day is an opportunity to celebrate the advocates who are working tirelessly to claim women’s rights and realize their full potential.
Champions of women’s rights from across the Middle East and North Africa are working on a number of fronts to influence policy and generate social change, from founding projects to promote women’s economic empowerment, to highlighting the role of women on peace and security.
On International Women’s Day, we are shining a spotlight on the voices and determined work of these women who have been central to advance women’s rights in the region.
Egypt
Dr. Amani Asfour
President
International Federation for Business and Professional Women
Libya
“Women in countries that suffer from armed conflicts, especially civil wars, need to be given a great deal of help and support. They also need to play a greater role in the peace process.”
Omelz El Farisi
Political Science Teacher
University of Benghazi
Morocco
“One of the main problems we face in Morocco is the lack of access to education. Illiteracy, as well as poverty in our country, continues to affect women more than men.”
Khadija El Rouggany
Vice-President
Moroccan Association for the Defense of Women's Rights
Palestine
Majda Masry
Director
Mother School Society
Syria
Rim Al Jabi
Gender Expert
CAWTER
Tunisia
Sandra Krichen
Gender Innovation AGORA network of UN Women, Arab States
Yemen
Dr. Anjila Sultan El Maamari
Professor of Psychological Health
Islamic Relief Worldwide
Shahin Ashraf
Global Advocacy Advisor
Islamic Relief Worldwide