Australian Arab Women's Dialogue

Dr Victoria Mason, from the School of Politics and International Relations and co-convenor of the Australian Arab Women's Dialogue, sits down with CEO of Social Enterprise for Women's Economic Empowerment, Manal Elattir from Morocco. Since 2011 the world has been transfixed by the momentous changes taking place in the Middle East as a result of the Arab Spring. Women have, and continue to, play a prominent role in this historical event. For two weeks in March, the Australian National University played host to a delegation of some of the Middle East's most influential and prominent Arab women, including the United Arab Emirate's first female surgeon and a documentary maker who has told the stories of female prisoners in Lebanon. While in Australia the eight women have put themselves at the centre of public forums and debates sharing their views and ideals about the future and eventual changes in their home countries, and more importantly what the future holds for them as women in their countries. Major sponsors of this project include AusAID, the ANU (School of Politics and International Relations), Etihad Airlines and the Council for Australian-Arab Relations (DFAT).