This International Women's Day, The International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID stands in solidarity with the global theme for 2024, "Invest in women: Accelerate progress" by spotlighting its commitment to gender parity and women empowerment both within the organization and through its global initiatives. Echoing the UN's call to action, KAICIID underscores its dedication to nurturing an environment where women are not only burgeoning but also leading the way in fostering intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

Empowering Women from Within: At the heart of KAICIID's celebrations is a unique retreat, designed specifically for the organization's female workforce. Facilitated by the renowned spiritual development trainer and Hatha yoga teacher, Ms. Irene Hessling, the retreat aimed to imbue participants with a sense of inner peace, safety, and joy, pivotal elements of true empowerment. Hessling's philosophy that empowerment springs from feeling "safe, grounded, peaceful, joyful, and loved in your own being" resonated deeply, setting a tone of introspection and communal support.

A Beacon of Gender Parity: KAICIID's commitment to gender equality is not just aspirational but a lived reality. With women constituting 50% of the permanent staff and representing 23 nationalities, the organization is a vibrant mosaic of diversity and equality. The institution's efforts to elevate women into senior roles and decision-making positions are an ongoing priority to achieve balanced representation as a cornerstone of empowerment.

Global Impact and Initiatives: KAICIID's influence extends far beyond its headquarters, touching lives across continents through various initiatives in various regions, including Africa, the Arab region, Asia, and Europe, through projects that empower women in leadership, peacebuilding, journalism, and interreligious dialogue. Notably, women and youth are currently considered the cross-cutting priorities of KAICIID’s programmatic work, including enhancing women’s engagement in diplomacy and interfaith initiatives.

• Africa Region Programme:  Through the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace in Nigeria, KAICIID ensures women's leadership in peacebuilding efforts, with 40% of leadership roles reserved for women. In 2023, KAICIID supported the implementation of a project on the sensitization of women and religious leaders on gender and women’s rights.
• Arab Region Programme: Initiatives like SheforDialogue, Dialogue 360 and the Dialogue Journalism Fellowship have empowered women in the realms of interreligious dialogue and journalism, respectively.
• Asia and Europe  Region Programme: From supporting women in peacebuilding in Asia to ensuring significant female representation in the Muslim Jewish Leadership Council (MJLC) Ambassadors program in Europe, KAICIID's efforts are widespread.
• Fellows Programme: Reflecting its global reach, 40% of KAICIID Fellows are women, hailing from 55 nationalities and actively contributing to women-focused projects.

A Continuous Dialogue: The Women’s Voices Webinar Series further illustrates KAICIID's commitment to elevating female voices across sectors, from science and technology to diplomacy and peacebuilding. This initiative not only highlights women's contributions but also fosters a global conversation about their pivotal role in society. In honour of International Women's Day 2024, KAICIID extends a special invitation to its upcoming webinars scheduled for the end of March, which aim to amplify women's voices and contributions in various fields. These sessions promise to offer insightful discussions and expert opinions on advancing women's roles in peacebuilding, leadership, and interfaith dialogue. To ensure you don't miss out on these and other inspiring stories of women making an impact, follow the Women's Voices page of our E-Learning platform for continuous updates and highlights of women's achievements within the KAICIID network and beyond.

In Reflection: As H.E. Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, the Secretary General of KAICIID poignantly remarks, it's crucial to "acknowledge the contributions of women in KAICIID" and inspire the global community to honour and empower their female workforce. This International Women's Day, KAICIID not only celebrates its achievements but also reaffirms its commitment to investing in women as a fundamental step toward accelerating progress in intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

A Call to Action: Accelerating Progress Together: As KAICIID celebrates this significant day, it also calls upon its community and stakeholders to join in this commitment to invest in women. By fostering environments that empower women to realize their full potential, we can collectively accelerate progress towards a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous world. Let this International Women's Day be a reminder of the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women in every sphere of life, and let us pledge to support and invest in their growth and empowerment today and every day. KAICIID's journey of empowerment and inclusion stands as a beacon of hope, proving that when we invest in women, we invest in a brighter, more inclusive future for all​​. In embracing the spirit of International Women's Day 2024, KAICIID honours its female employees and invites organizations worldwide to prioritize women's empowerment as a fundamental aspect of their mission and values.