The The Arab Institute for Women (AiW), formerly known as the Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World, was established in 1973, building upon the Lebanese American University’s rich history as a school for women. At that time, it was the first such institute in the Arab world and it remains the only one of its kind in Lebanon. It is also among the first globally. The Institute advances women’s empowerment and gender equality nationally, regionally and globally through research, education, development programs, and outreach. The AiW works at the intersection of academia and activism.
In the Arab region and globally, The AiW serves as:
(1) A Bridge: representing women and gender issues in the region and bringing the issues we care about into international dialogues, ensuring that our perspectives are represented.
(2) A Hub: sharing knowledge on and by Arab women with the world and will supporting the creation of new knowledge from/for the region. The AiW also connects people and partners to Arab women and gender issues in the region by channeling funding and support to our work and by using our vast network.
(3) A Voice: amplifying Arab voices in global discourses on gender and promoting gender equality and human rights in the Arab region.
The AiW establishes and supports high-quality programs of study on gender issues at the undergraduate, graduate, and mid-career levels, such as an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies and its unique Gender in Development and Humanitarian Assistance certificate for practitioners. The AiW strengthens research on and by Arab women in order to build a body of knowledge to further social and policy change, such as the bi-annual journal Al-Raida (The Female Pioneer) – in publication since 1976. The AiW Country Gender Profiles are available for the 22 Arab countries, providing snapshots of different gender issues in each Arab country and serve as a starting point for further analyses and engagement.
The Institute’s sustainable development projects are community-based efforts to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Examples include Qudwa (Role Model), the Institute’s signature program, which provides life-skills training for vulnerable women. The AiW promotes gender equality, human rights, and social justice through outreach events such as an annual international conference and activism to promote social change and policy change for women in the region.
The AiW’s animated song on gender equality – In My Hand, Bi Ideh in Arabic - engages youth as champions using a lighthearted approach that sets a precedent for the region. Every year, the Institute and partners organize a student video competition in honor of the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women. The winner for 2017 is Misplaced Guilt and for 2016 is Covering Up – both very powerful videos!
The AiW is committed to engaging the LAU community in the work of the Institute to enhance a university culture committed to gender equality and human rights. Examples include on-campus activism, student writing and video competitions, and the monthly speaking series Food 4 Thought.