BEIRUT: A workshop thursday brought together young women leaders from Lebanon and the region to discuss the importance of gender equality in the Arab world. Arab International Women’s Forum held the conference in partnership with PwC and the Institute of Women’s Studies in the Arab World at the Lebanese American University.

Entitled “Young Arab Women Leaders: The Voice of the Future,” the conference aimed at teaching participants how to transform obstacles due to gender into success stories.
 
“Over the last decade, AIWF has firmly believed that Arab governments must comprehensively adopt a sustainable development strategy that is focused on the Arab world’s most precious asset and natural resource – its people, especially women and young people,” said Haifa al-Kaylani, founder and chairwoman of AIWF.
 
The conference, held at LAU, enabled young, aspiring women in Lebanon to meet other women “in pioneering political, economic and social leadership roles in the Arab world,” according to the organizers. The event addressed the qualities that help make women successful in today’s society.

Senior Correspondent at Al-Arabiya Alia Ibrahim moderated the event, which attracted more than 130 people. Former Minister of State Mona Afeish played guest of honor, representing first lady Wafaa Sleiman.

“Our underlying priority in 2012 and in years to come is to promote empowerment for women and youth to act as future agents for lasting, sustainable development and prosperity in the Arab world,” Kaylani said.
 
Joseph Jabbra, president of the LAU, addressed the young leaders and stressed the importance of finding approaches to close the gender gap.

“We are nowadays in dire need of women with a seasoned civic culture, educated and intelligent women in all arenas. Our region needs educated and experienced women, young women, talented women to determine for it a sensible sense of direction and shape its development,” he said.