Arab Women in Science and Technology

Empowering Women for Regional Development

Dedicated conference advancing women's participation and leadership in STEM fields across the Arab region, addressing challenges, celebrating achievements, and fostering networks for women scientists and technologists.

Learn More All Conferences

2 Conferences

Since 2009

300+

Participants

60+

International Speakers

Conference Overview

The Arab Women in Science and Technology Conference is an initiative organized by the Arab Science and Technology Foundation to address women's representation and contributions in scientific fields across the Arab region.

Following ASTF's "Empowerment for the Development of the Arab World" initiative, this conference aims to involve Arab women in socioeconomic progress through the Arab Women Association for Research, Development and Innovation (AWARD).

Conference Objectives

Status Assessment

Identify the current status of Arab Women Researchers in the Arab world, understanding their contributions, challenges, and opportunities for advancement.

Recognition of Impact

Acknowledge the significant contributions women make to scientific and technological advancement in the region, celebrating achievements and success stories.

Collaboration Platform

Establish main platform (mechanism) for electronic collaborations among female professionals to support sustainable development initiatives.

Project Development

Forming work teams to develop new projects and identify specific activities that advance collaborative goals and regional development.

Intended Audience

The conference welcomes diverse participants committed to advancing women's roles in science and technology:

Scientific professionals and researchers focused on conference themes

Female business leaders and investors

Prominent women scientists from Arab nations and globally

Representatives from Arab and international organizations

Specialists in gender-related research topics

Conference History

The Arab Women in Science and Technology Conference has convened twice, bringing together hundreds of participants to advance women's leadership in STEM:

1st Conference - 2009

September 28-30, 2009

Dubai, UAE

Patronage:

Held under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Participation:

Over 300 attendees from around the world engaged with approximately 60 international and national speakers through presentations, workshops, panels, and paper sessions.

Primary Objective:

To involve Arab women in socioeconomic progress through the Arab Women Association for Research, Development and Innovation (AWARD), following ASTF's "Empowerment for the Development of the Arab World" initiative.

Eight Main Topics:

Political Frameworks for Women's Empowerment

Socioeconomic Development Needs

Success Narratives

Business Leadership Roles

Gender-Related Challenges in Arab Scientific Community

Format:

Sessions consisted of oral presentations, roundtable discussions, and workshops that generated recommendations and actionable strategies aligned with conference objectives.

2nd Conference - 2014

May 5-7, 2014

Khartoum, Sudan

Purpose:

To establish "an enterprise network that gathers specialized Arab women researchers and pioneers" in their respective fields, building on the success of the 2009 inaugural conference. The organizers emphasized that women researchers could "contribute to the Arab world economic growth and to the economic competitiveness through innovation."

Partners:

The conference collaborated with Sudan's Ministry of Science and Communication and Africa City of Technology (ACT).

Five Key Themes:

Communications, Information and Space Technology

Agriculture and Food Technology

Environment, Energy and Water

Life Sciences and Biotechnology

Basic Sciences and Engineering

Partner Organizations

The conference is supported by leading international and regional organizations committed to advancing women in science and technology:

Arab Science and Technology Foundation

Organizer

Independent, nongovernmental, non-profit regional organization based in Sharjah, UAE. Maintains a network of 13,000 Arab Scientists, Engineers & Technology Entrepreneurs.

www.astf.net

Dubai Business Women Council

Cooperation Partner

Founded in 2002 to support aspiring businesswomen and female leaders. Focuses on encouraging women entrepreneurs and advancing women's economic participation.

www.dbwc.ae