On 13 March 2026, the Arab Youth Sustainable Development Network (AYSDN), in strategic collaboration with the Al-Amal Foundation for Training and Entrepreneurship (REYADAH), hosted a landmark regional high-level webinar commemorating International Women’s Day 2026 under the compelling theme “Her Leadership… Her Future.” This event brought together a distinguished assembly of policymakers, academics, civil society leaders, youth activists, and development practitioners from across the Arab region, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collective action on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The webinar attracted a total of 118 participants, comprising 74 females (62.7%) and 44 males (37.3%), reflecting both the event’s strong appeal to women leaders and the encouraging engagement of male allies in the gender equality discourse. Participants represented a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including youth leaders from AYSDN’s extensive network, government officials, representatives from international organizations, academics, private sector partners, and civil society activists. This diverse participation enriched the discussions and ensured that multiple perspectives were considered in the development of recommendations.
Throughout the two-hour session, four distinguished speakers delivered compelling presentations covering critical dimensions of women’s empowerment: Dr. Ahed Mohammed Salem Ja’sous, Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Yemen, addressed economic and social development; Dhekra Ahmed Mohammed Al-Gabri, Executive Director of REYADAH, focused on mentorship and entrepreneurship; Dr. Alromissa Hussain Yaqoob, a prominent Human Rights Advocate and Legal Researcher, explored inclusive justice systems; and Necla Basata, Programs and Partnerships Coordinator at AYSDN, discussed governance and youth leadership.
The discussions emphasized the structural challenges affecting women’s participation in economic, political, and social life across the Arab region. Speakers highlighted the urgent need for policy reforms, inclusive governance mechanisms, digital justice platforms, expanded market access, and enhanced financial inclusion. The webinar concluded with a comprehensive set of consolidated recommendations aligned with AYSDN’s 2026–2028 Strategy and REYADAH’s mission to empower women and youth, providing a clear roadmap for action in the months and years ahead.