07.09.2007

The Arab Women’s Legal Network (AWLN) held its Third Annual General Meeting in Amman, Jordan from June 13 -15, 2007.  Officially launched in July 2005, the Network receives technical assistance and capacity-building support from the ABA’s Rule of Law Initiative.  This month’s event provided specialized training programs and professional development activities to over 100 female legal professionals from across the region. 

As in past years, the Annual General Meeting consisted of training in practical legal skills, presentations on substantive areas of the law, and opportunities to expand professional networks.  The AWLN hosted several regional and international experts from such countries as Egypt, Algeria, Lebanon, Nigeria, the Netherlands, and the U.S. who presented on a multitude of topics, including information technology, women’s civil and political rights, combating violence against women, drafting contracts, and managing law firms.  Women, representing nearly every country in the Arab world, participated in these workshops and in discussions about promoting women in the legal profession.  The Network anticipates that events such as these will have an immediate impact on the legal profession in the region and will serve to create a strong and viable generation of informed female lawyers.