Haifa Fahoum Al Kaylani
Haifa Fahoum Al Kaylani (also Haifa Al Kaylani) is a female role model in World and Middle Eastern government and business issues. She spotlights leadership in 'cultural and gender issues' which are of certain importance and speculation in the Eastern World. She is well known for the work she does, mostly in volunteering, to help feminism in her society.
Early life
Haifa Al Kaylani was born in Palestine and was later raised in Lebanon. She was born the eldest of 5 younger sisters and was given the privilege of studying at English-speaking schools, learning and developing 5 different languages fluently.
Education
Al Kaylani studied Economics at the prestigious American University of Beirut and later returned to take a Masters degree in economical development, after completing a Diploma in the same subject, at Oxford University. After completing her education, she went onto work as a junior economist for the United Nations for a period of 2 years.
Personal life
Haifa Fahoum married an Ambassador, Wajih Al Kaylani in 1970. They moved to the United Kingdom permanently in the year 1976 while spending time in Jordan and Lebanon. They both have a son called Sirri who is in own respect is an academic in the Law sector.
Feminism and Advocacy
During the 2 years (1999 and 2000) before establishing an Arab women organisation calld Arab International Women's Forum. Al Kaylani was the President of the International Federation of Women's Associations in London, and arranged conferences and meetings for Arab and British women with roles in Business, Government and Civil Service.
Arab International Women's Forum
Haifa Al Kaylani is responsible for setting up the Arab International Women's Forum, which is an umbrella organisation that brings together 1,500 associations, individuals, corporation and partnerships based in 45 nations and 6 continents of the world. The organisation is basis where women of Arab origin can come together and build relationships, exchange IDeaS and knowledge, take more participation in both local and national government, develop business potential and promote their organisations. The bottom line, Al Kaylani says, to help Arab women to increasingly become "part and parcel of international community."
Since its establishment in 2001 the institution has helped change many things AbOUT the Arab world for women. They have become more heard and voiced. In September 2005, a report from the Forum asked Arab governments to help equal men and women by removing the barriers between the 2 gender groups.
Roles
Al Kaylani's roles span a wide range of windows. They are listed below:
• Founder & Chairman, [Arab International Women’s Forum]1
• Vice President, The Women’s Leadership Board; Harvard University
• Member of Advisory Board, The Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Peace Movement
• Vice President, European Union for Women Achievement Awards
• Member of the Advisory Board and Past President, The Federation of International Women’s Associations in London
• Member of Advisory Board, Middle East Institute
• Member of Advisory Board, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) [part of the University of London]
• Member of the Advisory Board, Khalil Gibran
• Chair, University of Maryland (USA)
• Member of the Board of Trustees, The British Edutrust Foundation
• Member of the International Council of Museums of Arts and Design, New York (USA)
Recognition and Awards
Haifa Fahoum has been recognised for her work both for NGOs, cultural institutions and charities. In 2006, she was given recognition as one of the "21 Leaders for the 21st Century" by Women's eNews of New York. In February 2007, Haifa Al Kaylani was named as one of the "Muslim Power 100 Leaders" hosted in the UK and received the "Education Excellence Award."
Beliefs and Quotes
A belief she holds so dearly to her heart: "that a society cannot truly prosper without utilizing the resources of its women." 'Cultural and gender issues'.