Muslim Women: Past and Present

Recommend a Muslim Woman

Throughout the ages, from the earliest days of Islam to contemporary times today, Muslim women have been and continue to be active leaders in their communities and countries across the world. This directory is a growing archive of leading Muslim women scholars, activists, writers, politicians, artists, religious and spiritual leaders, civil society leaders and more. Please contribute to this archive by suggesting Muslim women to be featured through our recommendation form.

  • By Category
  • By Name
  • By Century
  • By Country
  • Search


Lolwah Al-Faisal

First thing, I’d let women drive.

Known For: Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees and General Supervisor, Effat College
Dates: Hijri 1367 – present (AH)
Common Era 1948 – present (CE)
Country: Saudi Arabia

About

Her Royal Highness Lolwah Al-Faisal is on the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum. She is the Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees and General Supervisor at Effat College, and has been a vocal supporter of women’s and girls’ access to education.

In 2007, her remarks at the World Economic Forum inspired wide-scale discussion of Saudi Arabia’s ban on women drivers. The moderator, asked Lolwah Al-Faisal: “What would you do, princess, if you were queen for a day? I won’t tell anyone.” She responded dryly: “First thing, I’d let women drive.” After much applause, she continued, “Or else have a great transportation system, which we don’t have.”Al-Faisal acknowledged that Saudi women can now hold many jobs that were once off-limits, but that their inability to drive still holds them back from job and school opportunities.


In 2008, Al-Faisal’s panel at the World Economic Forum focused on the need for better education. Her father, King Faisal, who ruled from 1964-1975, had a reputation as progressive, and first instituted education for Saudi girls.

Sources

Princess to Saudi elite: Let my gender drive

Arab News: Education Panacea for All Ills, Say WEF Delegates

The Women’s Section: Activities. 

Videos

Interview on ABC News

Symposium on Muslim Communities in Europe at the World Economic Forum

Middle East World Economic Forum 2008

RSS Bookmark and Share
This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women alphabetically by their first names. Many Muslim names have alternative spellings once rendered into English so if you cannot find the name you are looking for, please try the general search tab where you can enter keywords of your choice.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women chronologically by the Common Era century. We are actively building the archive of Muslim women leaders from the past, as well as from today, and we would welcome your recommendations of women to feature. Please complete our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.
This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women by their Country. We are actively building the archive of Muslim women leaders from the past, as well as from today, and we would welcome your recommendations of women to feature. Please complete our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.
This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women leaders by entering the keyword(s) of your choice. If you cannot find a particular woman that you are looking for, please let us know by completing our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.