Jordan Times
Monday, May 14, 2007
Women’s forum seeks to
bridge gap between Middle Eastern, Western societies
By Rana Husseini
AMMAN — The president of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) on Sunday
described as “historic” a gathering of 500 women scholars and business leaders
from around the world that will convene today to dispel deepening misconceptions
between the East and the West.
“This is a notable event in this historic country for our 25-year-old
organisation, since Jordan is our first and only forum in the Arab world,” Gay
Cook, head of the Washington-based global organisation, told reporters at a
press conference yesterday.
She said it is an important opportunity for IWF members to share “with their
Arab sisters their concerns and challenges and to find a better understanding
for each other’s issues.”
Held under the theme: “Building Bridges – Breaking Walls” and organised by the
IWF Jordan chapter, the event aims to expand understanding to enhance the
prospects of a more sustainable future.
It will also offer a first-of-its-kind global exchange for women leaders and a
way forward for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Her Majesty Queen Rania, the honorary president of IWF Jordan, will act as
patron of the three-day event.
The IWF is a political organisation that unites women from all careers to
network and train in leadership positions in many countries in the world
regardless of their political agendas, according to Cook.
IWF Jordan Chapter President Reem Abu Hassan said the event will pave the way
for a venue for women worldwide to engage in a dialogue and put their challenges
on the table for debate.
“We have a responsibility of conveying the true image of the conflicts and
challenges facing us in our part of the world and we will hold in-depth
dialogues to discuss these conflicts and reach a better understanding for all
issues that concern us as women,” Abu Hassan added.
Last week, Abu Hassan said the conference seeks to bridge the gap between Middle
Eastern and Western societies through concerted dialogue to clarify and expose
mutual myths and pre-conceived ideas on complex issues pertaining to democracy,
educational systems and the role of women.
During the event, participants will focus on topics such as Islam, democracy and
modernisation, faith, identity and coexistence, education, culture and
competitiveness, Arab women parliamentarians — another perspective, the future
of the Arab world, and Arab women: Myths, misperceptions and realties.
Founded in October 2003, the IWF Jordan chapter is a private independent
association of women who have achieved valuable accomplishments in public life,
private sector or civic society. It seeks to be a catalyst in the acceleration
of the proactive participation of Jordanian women in their own communities.
The forum seeks to promote better opportunities for Jordanian women in
leadership, and assist them to reach the levels of achievement that IWF members
worldwide have been able to accomplish.
Presently, there are over 4,500 members participating in North America, Latin
America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Pacific basin, Europe, Africa and the Middle
East.