AWLI Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day

Amman, Jordan – Since 1911, the world has been celebrating International Women's Day on March 8.   What began in Germany is today marked with public calls for better opportunities for women. As an institute founded on the belief that the path toward a democratic Arab world is only possible with the integral political and social participation of women, the Arab Women’s Leadership Institute (AWLI) is proud to celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of this day. 

“International Women’s Day is a day to pause, and acknowledge the responsibility and impact women have to help each other improve our lives,” said Tami Longaberger, Chair of AWLI.  “Why is this our responsibility?   Because when one woman's life is bettered, so is the world around her."

The United Nations dubbed this year as “A Pathway to Decent Work for Women,” and held events in the 27 countries that have made March 8 a national holiday.  The events advocated for equal access to education, training, and science and technology for women. 

In the Arab region women took the initiative to bring awareness of the challenges they face and were commended for their efforts.  In Egypt, thousands of women were expected to head to Tahrir Square to demand better representation in politics.  Women in Jordan used International Women’s Day as an opportunity to highlight women's low economic contributions, despite holding 51 percent of the bachelors’ degrees in Jordan.  And in Lebanon, leaders commended Arab women for their civilized movements in “demanding freedom, dignity and decent living.” 

AWLI seeks to support the democratic development of these women and others across the region by providing the skills, resources and connections necessary to succeed as elected or appointed officials, within civil society, and as community leaders. 

In keeping with the International Women’s Day theme, AWLI will conduct a training with women from 10 countries to discuss challenges Arab women face.  One of the topics will include how to advocate for laws that would require equal pay, benefits and working conditions for men and women and advance awareness of the rights women already have.