History

The Lebanese American University founded the Arab Institute for Women (AiW), formerly known as the Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW), in 1973. The history of the AiW is closely linked to that of the first women’s college in the Middle East, the American Junior College for Women (AJCW), which was established in 1924 by the Presbyterian Mission. AJCW (currently LAU), which educated Middle Eastern women for half a century, became coed in 1973. In order to honor AJCW/LAU’s unique heritage as the first educational institution for women in the region, the Arab Institute for Women was established that same year.

IWSAW staff in 1978

Directors

• 2019-present: Ms. Myriam Sfeir
• 2015-2019: Dr. Lina Abirafeh
• 2013-2015: Dr. Samira Aghacy
• 2005-2013: Dr. Dima Dabbous
• 1997-2005: Mrs. Mona Khalaf
• 1973-1997: Dr. Julinda Abu Nasr (founder of IWSAW)