EWI Board Member Haifa Fahoum Al Kaylani—founder and chairman of the Arab International Women’s Forum—was honored and recognized with the 2018 Outstanding Golden Shield Award for Advanced Leadership. The award was presented to Al Kaylani by the Arab Women’s Council during a formal dinner awards ceremony at the conclusion of the AWC Annual Regional Forum on Social Responsibility that took place on November 12-14 in Cairo, Egypt on Leading Women: The Path from Empowerment to Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

The Arab Women Council’s Golden Shield Award honors individuals, institutions and organizations that contribute to and honor social responsibility at the local, Arab and regional levels. The Council honoured Al Kaylani’s exceptional efforts in both enabling and advancing women and youth through economic and educational opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa region, and around the world. Announcing that Al Kaylani had been selected by the Board of the Arab Women Council to receive this prestigious award, Lynna Moukarzel, president of the Arab Women Council, said: “Mrs. Haifa Al Kaylani is a leader and role model for Arab women around the world. She does not shy away from tackling some of society’s most challenging issues. We are thrilled to honour Al Kaylani with the 2018 Outstanding Golden Shield Award for Advanced Leadership.”

On accepting the award, Al Kaylani said, “Since 1990 and as a development economist I have been deeply involved with empowering women in the Arab world in all sectors in Arab and international domains as I truly believe that women are at the heart of development, progress and peace in the Arab region. I am delighted and honoured to receive the distinguished and highly valued recognition of the Arab Women Council for the 2018 Outstanding Golden Shield Award for Advanced Leadership, honouring Arab change agents and advocates for social responsibility, women’s empowerment, advanced leadership and innovation. I wish to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to the Arab Women’s Council President and it's Board members."