The Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWF) is a non-profit organization based in London, which links Arab business and professional women with each other and with their counterparts in the international community. AIWF is represented in 20 Arab countries and 15 other countries including Canada, the United States, Australia, South Africa, China, Brazil, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France and the United Kingdom.
AIWF’s Trustees are all successful women giving voluntary support and advice to the organization. Members of the board include well-known names such as Haifa Fahoum Al-Kaylani, Saida Agrebi, Assilah Zaher Al-Harthy, Sheikha Hind Salman Al-Khalifa, Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimi, Khalidah Ahmed Al-Qatami, Sheikha Hanadi Nasser Bin Khalid Al-Thani, Nadia Hassan Bakhurji and Samiha Abou Steit.
Launched in 2001, AIWF provides an important networking opportunity where women can build their knowledge, develop their business and career potential and promote their respective organizations. AIWF activities include seminars, workshops and conferences alternating between London, the Arab world and international capitals.
For 2005, the theme of AIWF programs is “Women as Engines of Economic Growth in the Arab World.” AIWF’s first international event for 2005, “Ten Years After the Barcelona Process: Empowering Women as a Catalyst for Economic Development,” was held April 7-8, in Brussels. Their next event is “Women and Integrated Rural Development,” scheduled for June 12-13 at the League of Arab States, Cairo. This will be followed by “The Barcelona Process: Women As Engines of Economic Growth: Conference Recommendations,” on Sept. 29 at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London.
AIWF is fortunate in attracting to its membership very able women who have many professional skills and experience in their respective countries. To learn more about the organization click to http://www.aiwfonline.co.uk.
