Yahoo!’s business and human rights programme, and Yahoo! Maktoob, in partnership with Vital Voices, hosted the first “Change Your World!” summit on women and social and digital media today (January 18).

The summit which took place in Cairo brought together women in leadership from across the Middle East and North Africa to showcase and share lessons learned on how women using technology, the internet and social media platforms to create positive change in the world.

Moderated by award winning journalist and human rights activist Mona Eltahawy, participants focused on how technology and media can amplify women’s voices and support women’s leadership in four specific areas including women’s economic empowerment, political leadership, journalism, and human rights and women’s rights.

Attendees also had the opportunity to share experiences, collaborate on best practices and spark innovation, a statement from the company said.

“Women across the Middle East and North Africa are using the internet, technology and social media to learn, lead, inspire, connect and change the world. We are hosting this summit to shine the light on extraordinary women, to facilitate an ongoing exchange of ideas, and to identify areas where companies can use their technology and platforms to amplify women’s voices,” said Ebele Okobi, director of Yahoo!’s business & human rights programme.

Summit sessions focused on topics such as ‘Technology and Economic Empowerment,’ ‘After the Revolution: E-lections and E-governance,’ ‘Journalism, Women and the Internet’ and ‘Safety Online for Women and Activists.’

There was also a screening of excerpts from ‘Women, War & Peace,’ the documentary series that tells the stories of women in conflict zones around the globe, which included award-winning documentary ‘Pray the Devil Back to Hell.’

The event concluded with a session entitled “What’s Next? Continuing the Conversation’, a facilitated workshop to elicit ideas for tools, platforms, technology and media to foster and promote entrepreneurship, political leadership, journalism and women’s rights, the statement said.

Ahmed Nassef, vice president and managing director, Yahoo! Maktoob, Mena, said: “Since Yahoo! acquired Maktoob two years ago, we have grown to become a trusted destination for many who come to us for news and information, and to connect with like-minded people on our forums.”

Vital Voices president and CEO, Alyse Nelson, said: “At this time of exceptional change in the Middle East and North Africa, we have a unique opportunity to engage in a conversation on the power and possibility of women’s leadership.” – TradeArabia News Service