Women Leaders in the Muslim World

"The persistent image of Arab women seems to be of veiled, homebound, uneducated women who need help. These women undoubtedly exist in the Arab world. So do highly educated professional women, quite liberal-minded and active in their societies.” --- Dr. Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad, President, Qatar University

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Carbondale Branch, partnering with International Programs and Services at Southern Illinois University, presents an educational enrichment program for high school teachers and students. Since the practice of Islam varies throughout the Muslim world and is influenced by political, economic, regional, and cultural factors, the participation of women in the public arena also varies between and within Muslim societies. This project, funded through the Community Action Grants Program of American Association of University Women’s Educational Foundation, counters stereotypical perceptions of Muslim women by highlighting the accomplishments of ten professional women leaders in the contemporary Muslim world. --- Ms. Naseem Ahmed, Project Director