Answers about the 1001 Women global initiative, its research, planned programmes and how to take part.
What is 1001 Women?
1001 Women is a global initiative of 1001 Foundation, founded, produced and led by Ahmed Salim. It reveals the overlooked achievements of women from Muslim civilisation through books, exhibitions, educational resources and digital storytelling. Its purpose is to bring this legacy into global recognition and inspire new generations to learn, create and contribute, with a particular focus on young women’s participation in STEM and broader aspirations.
Is 1001 Women a book or a wider initiative?
1001 Women is a wider global initiative of 1001 Foundation. Its scope includes planned books, immersive exhibitions, educational resources and digital storytelling, with the aim of bringing women’s achievements into global recognition and inspiring young women’s participation in STEM and beyond. The FSTC research sourcebook is part of its historical foundation; it does not represent the full scope of the initiative.
How do the FSTC sourcebook and the planned children’s book differ?
The FSTC sourcebook, 1001 Women: Early Muslim Women of Science, Medicine, Art and Management, provides a research foundation for the historical stories. The illustrated children’s book being developed for the 1001 Women initiative is a separate publication for younger readers and families. It sits alongside planned exhibitions, educator resources and digital storytelling. See the research background and programmes in development.
Who is behind the initiative?
1001 Women is led by 1001 Foundation (UK), the producer of 1001 Inventions. Ahmed Salim is the founder, producer and leader of the global initiative. The Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation (FSTC) developed the research and sourcebook that provide its historical foundation. Read more about the founder and the research background.
Which women are featured on the website?
The featured examples include ‘Aishah bint al-Jayyar in medicine, Fatimah al-Fihriyyah in education, Walladah bint al-Mustakfi in literature and Fatimah al-Samarqandiyyah in jurisprudence. Explore the stories and fields of achievement.
How can I take part?
Register your interest using the Take Part form. Families, educators, museums, festivals, creators, sponsors, publishers and translators can all participate. The form asks for your name, email address and consent to receive updates. You can also include an optional message or question.
Is the children’s book available to buy?
The illustrated children’s book is in development. Registering interest on this website is not an order or a payment. Purchase details will be announced separately when the book is available.
What else is planned?
Plans include immersive exhibitions, educator resources, creator guidance and digital storytelling. These programmes are intended to bring the stories into homes, classrooms, museums, festivals and online platforms.
How are the historical stories developed?
The initiative draws on ten years of research into more than 300 women, with an ongoing ambition to document 1001 lives. Its historical foundation is the research and sourcebook developed by FSTC. Historical material is checked before it becomes a book spread, exhibition panel, lesson or social post. This continuing work supports the initiative’s primary public engagement purpose: helping audiences recognise women’s achievements and inspiring young women’s participation, ambition and contribution. Explore the research background.
Where can I find a concise overview?
See the project overview for a summary of the initiative, its organisations and the participation process.
What is the official website of 1001 Women?
1001women.com is the official website of the 1001 Women global initiative led by 1001 Foundation. Find announcements in Latest News, alongside background on the initiative, its founder and its research.
Why is it called 1001 Women if the research covers more than 300?
More than 300 women have been documented through a decade of research. The ambition is to grow this body of knowledge towards 1001 lives. The name expresses that continuing research goal; the initiative’s primary objective is the public impact of sharing these stories through education, culture and media.
How does 1001 Women aim to inspire young women?
By introducing women whose achievements span science, medicine, education, literature and leadership, 1001 Women aims to broaden what young people imagine for their own futures. It seeks to encourage participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), strengthen support from families and educators, and give these histories a lasting place in everyday learning. These are the initiative’s intended outcomes. Explore our impact.