Download Summary (PDF)
In 2008, IRI established the Arab Women's Leadership Institute (AWLI). Led by an executive board of prominent Arab and American women leaders, AWLI provides women who are committed to achieving results as leaders and who are able to educate their peers and colleagues on skills learned through trainings at the Institute.
 
The unprecedented events of 2011 in the Middle East instilled great optimism in women living in the region.  The opportunities that exist for instituting reforms that improve government efficiency, reduce corruption and hold decision-makers more accountable to their citizens have never been greater.  As a result, these transitional times are a historic opportunity for women to play a more prominent role in the government and community decisions.

Download Summary (PDF)
In 2008, IRI established the Arab Women's Leadership Institute (AWLI). Led by an executive board of prominent Arab and American women leaders, AWLI provides women who are committed to achieving results as leaders and who are able to educate their peers and colleagues on skills learned through trainings at the Institute.
 
The unprecedented events of 2011 in the Middle East instilled great optimism in women living in the region.  The opportunities that exist for instituting reforms that improve government efficiency, reduce corruption and hold decision-makers more accountable to their citizens have never been greater.  As a result, these transitional times are a historic opportunity for women to play a more prominent role in the government and community decisions.

AWLI is taking advantage of these unique times and opportunities to provide women in government and civil society with the training, skills and mentorship necessary to foster increased participation in the democratic development of their societies.  Through trainings in its headquarters in Amman, Jordan, and elsewhere throughout the region as well as a year-long fellowship program, AWLI helps women sharpen their skill sets.  Women gain a well-rounded understanding of issues facing their societies so that they can make appropriate decisions, have a greater impact as leaders and compete more equally for leadership positions.

AWLI’s support of its participants does not end with their initial training.  The Institute works with partners to establish individual short- and long-term goals as they relate to their respective organizations and country’s needs.  Participants receive ongoing mentorship to achieve these goals from the executive board, professional trainers and IRI staff throughout the Middle East. 

Through AWLI’s bi-lingual website, visitors have access to a library of research and AWLI-published materials.

AWLI is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy and the Middle East Partnership Initiative.  In 2011 AWLI’s membership has grown to include women from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the West Bank and Yemen.

For more information on how to become a member, please visit AWLI’s website.

Executive Board

Ms. Tami Longaberger, Chairwoman, United States
Dr. Wajeeha Al Baharna, Bahrain
Dr. Sundus Abbas , Iraq
Dr. Eman Al Hussein, Jordan
Ms. Wafa’a Abedalqader Al Jasem, Kuwait
Ms. Myriam Kairouz Aucar , Lebanon
Dr. Najat Zarrouk,  Morocco
Dr. Lily Fiedy, the West Bank