Women Initiatives

The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity’s women initiatives draws awareness to the challenges women are facing in our world today and explore solutions to support women at both the local and international levels.

“While the challenges women face in 2021 are many, the multitude of issues are outnumbered by the brilliant female minds dedicated to finding solutions to overcome them.” – Irina Bokova, first female UNESCO director and member of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity

HCHF Women’s Forum 2021

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity hosted its first annual Women’s Forum on March 8, 2021 – bringing together powerful female leaders, officials, and activists for a virtual discussion focusing on “Hopes and Challenges in a Post-COVID era.” The March 8th forum focused on how the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated and increased the challenges women face around the globe, from vulnerable refugees to working mothers.

Speakers included powerhouse female leaders, experts, and activists: Vice President of Costa Rica Epsy Campbell Barr, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth Noura Al Kaabi, UN Women Executive Director and UN Under-Secretary-General Phumzile Mlambo Ngucka, former Director-General of UNESCO and member of the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity Irina Bokova, UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Kanem, Director of the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors Susan Esserman, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace Azza Karam and Latifa Ibn Ziaten, recipient of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2021.