Under the auspices of his Eminence the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, in cooperation with the Faculty of Islamic Sciences for International Students and Arkan Foundation for Sustainable Development, carried out selection examinations to select participants in the program of “Qualifying Women Leaders Around the World.” This was held in preparation for the launch of “Imam Ahmad at-Tayyeb” scholarship offered to female international students. The launch ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 19, at al-Azhar Conference Center, with the attendance of al-Azhar’s senior leadership, during which the scholarship recipients will be officially announced.Moreover, this program is part of al-Azhar’s broader efforts to empower female international students and qualify them academically and in leadership, so that they could assume distinguished positions in their home countries upon their return. This would be achieved through developing leadership skills and strategic thinking, strengthening personal and academic capabilities and cultivating impactful initiatives; all contributing to the formation of female cadres capable of serving their communities with competence and awareness.It is worth noting that the examinations attracted wide participation from female international students of various nationalities. The evaluation process was conducted according to precise standards and a transparent methodology, encompassing written and oral tests as well as personal interviews, with the aim of selecting the most outstanding candidates for the full scholarship.In this regard, Prof. Nahla al-Saeidi- founder of the program, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Sciences for International Students, and Advisor to the Grand Imam for International Students’ Affairs- formed four specialized committees. These comprised a distinguished selection of al-Azhar University faculty members, including: Prof. Manal al-Khouly, Dean of the Faculty of Education for Girls- Cairo, Prof. Walaa al-Aqqad, Dean of the Faculty of Media for Girls- Cairo, Prof. Farida Mohammad Ali, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies for Girls- Cairo, Prof. Khadra Salem, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Education for Girls- Cairo; Prof. Sawsan al-Hudhud, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies for Girls- Cairo, Prof. Mohammad Atta, Prof. Desouky al-Sakhawi, Prof. Abdul Rahman Fawzy; Prof. Mahmoud as-Sayyid Mansour, Prof. Salah Khalaf from the Faculty of Islamic Sciences for International Students and alongside a number of specialized professors and experts. All committee work was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Shaheeda Maraey, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Sciences for International Students.The committee work was also supervised by Prof. Abdul Dayyem Nosseir, Secretary-General of the Organization and Advisor to the Grand Imam. During his tour, he affirmed that al-Azhar ash-Sharif gives due care to qualifying female international students academically, intellectually, and in leadership. He emphasized that building conscious women leaders represents a fundamental pillar in supporting the stability of societies and spreading the values of moderation worldwide. He also commended the high level of applicants, affirming that the program reflects al-Azhar’s world mission in qualifying capable individuals who can make a positive impact in their homelands.In addition, Prof. Nahla al-Saeidi likewise followed the committee proceedings. She stressed that the program is part of al-Azhar ash-Sharif’s vision for empowering female international students academically, culturally, and in terms of skills and preparing a generation of women leaders capable of combining academic excellence with social awareness. She noted that these female international students serve as ambassadors of al-Azhar in their home countries, carrying with them a moderate intellectual vision and an elevated academic and humanitarian message.The participating students expressed their sincere gratitude, appreciation, and deep regard for the Grand Imam for making this initiative possible. They affirmed that such programs contribute to building self-confidence, developing leadership skills, and opening new horizons for their active participation in the development of their communities. This initiative is part of the leading role that al-Azhar ash-Sharif plays in supporting women, developing qualified human cadres who contribute to building societies and spreading the moderate message around the world.
