Role Models for Girls and Young Women in the Arab Region

Project Description

The “Role Models for Girls and Young Women in the Arab Region” project, conducted by the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship (AI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) in collaboration with partners Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI) and UNESCO, aimed to address gender stereotypes in careers. Aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the project focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly promoting women’s economic empowerment. Initiated by the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment, the project sought to eliminate economic barriers, support women’s leadership, and challenge restrictive norms hindering women’s access to employment. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the urgency, impacting gender equality in the Arab region. Through a social media campaign, the project shared 20 career life stories of pioneering women from across the Arab region to serve as positive role models and inspire the next generation of girls.