The initiative & its founder

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Revealing a forgotten legacy. Inspiring new possibilities.

1001 Women is a global initiative of 1001 Foundation, founded by Ahmed Salim. It brings the overlooked achievements of women from Muslim civilisation into public view, helping their stories inspire the next generation.

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Children taking part in a hands-on science workshop. — Young people exploring science during earlier 1001 Inventions work.

26 September 20261001 Foundation

A global initiative to inspire the next generation of women

1001 Women brings the achievements of women from Muslim civilisation into public view, connecting a forgotten legacy with new possibilities in science, education, creativity and leadership.

Following the announcement on 25 September, 1001 Foundation is inviting educators, cultural institutions, publishers, funders and other partners to help bring these stories to audiences around the world. The initiative is founded, produced and led by Ahmed Salim.

“The stories young people grow up with help shape what they believe is possible.”
Ahmed Salim, founder and producer

Drawing on a decade of research into more than 300 women, the initiative connects historical storytelling with three ambitions: greater participation by young women in STEM; broader aspirations and stronger support from families, teachers and communities; and a lasting place for women’s achievements in education and public life.

Books, exhibitions, educational resources and digital storytelling will carry these histories into homes, classrooms, museums and online spaces. Continuing research towards 1001 documented women supports this wider public engagement purpose.

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About 1001 Women

A missing chapter, brought into view.

Where are the women in the stories we tell about the past? 1001 Women begins with that question and introduces the scholars, healers, writers, educators, patrons and leaders whose contributions helped shape Muslim civilisation.

The initiative explores the Golden Age and the centuries around it, opening a wider understanding of a shared heritage. We imagine a world where these women’s achievements are known in schools and mainstream public life worldwide, and where their stories encourage young women to pursue science and technology, creativity, education and leadership.

1001 Women is a global initiative of 1001 Foundation, the producer of 1001 Inventions. It is founded, produced and led by Ahmed Salim, bringing together historical research and the experience of creating public education programmes for international audiences.

Through planned books, exhibitions, educational resources and digital storytelling, the initiative works towards both ambitions: lasting recognition of this legacy, and greater participation, broader aspirations and stronger support for young women today. It welcomes audiences of all backgrounds. Explore our impact and the programmes in development.

Research & storytelling

Research behind a wider initiative.

1001 Women draws on ten years of research into more than 300 women from Muslim civilisation, including scholars, healers, writers, educators, patrons and leaders. The name expresses a continuing ambition to document 1001 lives. Research is an ongoing part of the initiative, supporting its primary purpose: public engagement that brings these achievements into global recognition and inspires new generations.

The historical content draws on research and the sourcebook 1001 Women: Early Muslim Women of Science, Medicine, Art and Management, developed by the Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation (FSTC).

1001 Foundation leads the wider public initiative, founded, produced and led by Ahmed Salim. FSTC’s research and sourcebook provide a historical foundation. The initiative translates that knowledge into books, exhibitions, educational resources and digital storytelling, helping audiences discover this legacy and encouraging young women’s participation in STEM, broader ambitions and stronger support from families and educators.

The illustrated children’s book in development is a separate publication within the initiative’s planned programmes. It introduces these histories to younger readers and families through accessible stories and artwork.

Read FSTC’s account of the research sourcebook, or begin exploring the current story collection.

10 yearsof research

300+women documented

1001our continuing research ambition

About the founder

Ahmed Salim

Founder & producer
1001 Women

Ahmed Salim is a British producer and the founder of 1001 Foundation. He founded and leads 1001 Women, bringing together research, storytelling and public engagement to introduce these overlooked histories to new generations.

He is also the co-founder and managing director of 1001 Inventions, established in 2006. His work connects science and cultural heritage through films, exhibitions, books, educational activities and live experiences.

According to 1001 Inventions, its programmes have engaged and educated more than 500 million people worldwide. That experience provides a foundation for the development of 1001 Women.

His production credits include 1001 Inventions and the Library of Secrets, starring Sir Ben Kingsley, and 1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham, starring Omar Sharif. Previous 1001 Inventions work also includes an educational collaboration with UNESCO for the 2019 International Year of the Periodic Table.

With 1001 Women, his focus is on giving historical knowledge a lasting place in public life, and helping more young people recognise the contributions they could make.

The 500 million figure describes the wider reach reported by 1001 Inventions; it is not a measured result of the 1001 Women initiative.

Selected work

Experience in bringing heritage to life.

Film

1001 Inventions and the Library of Secrets

Produced by Ahmed Salim and starring Sir Ben Kingsley, the film introduces scientific heritage through a story of discovery. It accompanied the touring exhibition launched at London’s Science Museum in 2010.

Explore the film

Film

1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham

Produced by Ahmed Salim and starring Omar Sharif, this partly animated film introduces Ibn al-Haytham’s investigation of light and vision.

Explore the film

Education

Journeys from Alchemy to Chemistry

A 1001 Inventions educational initiative developed with UNESCO for the 2019 International Year of the Periodic Table, combining science, historical storytelling and learning activities.

Read UNESCO’s announcement

These examples describe earlier 1001 Inventions productions and collaborations.

The next chapter

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