1-2 February 2012
Four Seasons Hotel- Beirut

The Arab world is going through a phase of momentous upheaval, change and transitions. Regimes have fallen, longstanding political systems and economic policies have, or are being rethought or discarded, and everywhere there is the call for democracy in its full meaning, personal freedom, and social equality.

Women have played a prominent and active role in this “Arab revolution”, and in many cases were at the forefront of demonstrations and popular protests, even in the more conservative Arab societies.

Under the main theme of “Women and the Arab Spring”, NAWF 2012 took full account of the historic dimensions of the ongoing ferment and revolution in the region by following up, analyzing and discussing leading political and social issues of the hour. Its topics and interests focused on the nature and scope of political and social reforms that will eventually emerge from the Arab revolutions, and whether they will lead to more effective political participation for women, as well as the role and limitations of social media in political and social activism, relevance of Arab artistic expression for the new era of democracy and personal freedoms, in addition to other relevant issues and topics.

Organized by Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group and Al Hasnaa Magazine under the patronage of the Minister of Social Affairs H.E. Mr. Wael Abou Faour, NAWF for the fifth successive year, brought together a distinguished group of speakers and participants from both genders from the Arab world and internationally, including government ministers and public officials, business leaders, social scientists, writers and journalists, artists and actresses, heads of NGOs and other social institutions, and other personalities and activists.