Dean Safwan Masri kicked off the Empowered Voices panel by urging a reevaluation of peace. The event, part of a two-day gathering, focused on empowering women in the MENA region and launched the MENA Women Peacebuilders Initiative.
H.E. Lolwah Al Khater, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, highlighted the mission to utilize Arab women’s resilience for peace. She was honored with the 2024 Trailblazer Award for her efforts in women’s empowerment.
Dr. Amal Al Malki emphasized the importance of indigenous scholarship and criticized the stereotypical portrayals of MENA women.
Dr. Houda Abadi stressed the need for a comprehensive, intersectional approach within peace and security frameworks. She called for addressing the gaps that affect women in the Global South.
Mohammad Naciri from UN Women celebrated the diversity of women at the event, stressing the importance of inclusive peace processes. The MENA Women Peacebuilders Initiative aims to expand its network and foster ongoing dialogue among women leaders.
