The Arab Woman: Enhancing Leadership & Resilience
The League of Arab States adopted a regional action plan on women, peace and security in partnership with U.N. Women in October 2015, highlighting the need to empower Arab female leaders to strengthen institutions and help communities address conflict peacefully. On December 5, to mark the Fifth Annual Arab-American Day, the League of Arab States and the U.S. Institute of Peace will host a discussion with Arab women leaders, academics and policymakers, including the newly-elected Minnesota House Representative and Somali American, Ilhan Omar, on how education and economic opportunities can engage women and men in supporting women’s voices, equality and success.
Social and economic empowerment of women has been shown to strengthen stability and resilience. From the national level to the grassroots, Arab women continue to face and overcome challenges to lead their countries and communities, while empowering one another.
Session 1: Empowering Women and Building Resilience
Nancy Lindborg,
President, U.S. Institute of Peace
Ambassador Inas Mekkawy, Introductory Remarks
Head of Women, Family and Childhood Development, League of Arab States
Randa Fahmy, Moderator
Founder, Fahmy Hudome International
Manal Omar, Panelist
Associate Vice President, Center for Middle East and Africa, U.S. Institute of Peace
Hibaaq Osman, Panelist
Founder & CEO, El Karama
Donald Steinberg, Panelist
CEO, World Learning
Luncheon and Keynote Address
Representative Ilhan Omar, Keynote Speaker
Minnesota House Representative for District 60B
Dr. Linda Bishai, Moderator
Director of North Africa Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace
Session 2: The Up-and-Coming Arab Woman
Dr. Kathleen Kuehnast, Moderator
Senior Gender Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace
Marwa Alkhairo, Panelist
Manager of Partnership Development, International Youth Foundation
Hajar Sharief, Panelist
Co-Founder, Libya Ma'an Nabneeha
Sali Osman, Panelist
Cybersecurity Risk Advisory, Ernest and Young
"One to Watch" Award from Executive Women's Forum
Closing Remarks
Dr. Sahar Mohamed Khamis
Professor of Middle East Media and Communications, University of Maryland
Amy Schedlbauer
Director of the Office of Regional Affairs, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, U.S. Department of State