1001 Women is a global initiative of 1001 Foundation, founded, produced and led by Ahmed Salim. It brings the overlooked achievements of women from Muslim civilisation into public view through planned books, exhibitions, educational resources and digital storytelling. Its two connected ambitions are: to bring the overlooked achievements of women from Muslim civilisation into global recognition, including schools and mainstream media; and to help their stories inspire the next generation to shape the future. We aim to encourage young women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), broaden aspirations, and strengthen support from families, educators and communities.
Identity and purpose
Name: 1001 Women.
Type: Global initiative.
Organisation: 1001 Foundation, the producer of 1001 Inventions.
Headline: Revealing a forgotten legacy. Inspiring the next generation to shape the future.
Website: 1001women.com.
Women helped shape the knowledge, culture and public life of Muslim civilisation. From its Golden Age and across the centuries, they contributed as scholars, healers, writers, educators, patrons and leaders. Yet many of their achievements remain unfamiliar to the wider public.
Two connected ambitions
Imagine a world where the achievements of women from Muslim civilisation are widely known, taught in schools around the world, shared through mainstream media and recognised as part of our common heritage.
Imagine what their stories could inspire: more young women pursuing science and technology, expressing their creativity and becoming educators and leaders. Families and communities encouraging their ambitions. And a world benefiting from the ideas, discoveries and contributions they bring.
1001 Women is working towards both ambitions: bringing a forgotten legacy into global recognition, and helping its stories inspire the next generation to shape the future.
Organisation and research
A global initiative of 1001 Foundation, the producer of 1001 Inventions, 1001 Women is produced and led by Ahmed Salim and draws on a decade of research into more than 300 women. Through planned books, exhibitions, educational resources and digital storytelling, we will bring this legacy into homes, schools, museums and public life around the world.
The historical content draws on the research and sourcebook 1001 Women: Early Muslim Women of Science, Medicine, Art and Management, developed by the Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation (FSTC). The sourcebook is a research foundation for the wider global initiative of 1001 Foundation. The initiative extends beyond this publication into public programmes and storytelling. Its planned illustrated children’s book is a separate publication for younger readers and families.
As the research grows towards 1001 documented women, it will support both ambitions: bringing this legacy into global recognition, and helping its stories inspire participation, achievement and contribution.
Intended impact
Our two ambitions guide three lasting changes:
Global recognition and a lasting place in education. Help schools, publishers, museums, media and creators around the world bring these stories into everyday learning and public life, so women’s achievements become widely recognised as part of our shared history.
Greater participation in STEM. Inspire young women to explore science and technology, connect that interest with practical learning opportunities, and encourage their progression into further study and careers.
Broader ambitions and stronger support. Help young people recognise their potential across science, the arts, education and leadership. Encourage families, teachers and communities to actively support young women’s interests, choices and aspirations.
These are intended outcomes. As programmes develop, proposed areas for evaluation include public awareness, representation in mainstream media, sustained use in education, interest in STEM and participation in learning. The initiative is not yet reporting measured outcomes against them.
For audiences of all backgrounds, 1001 Women also offers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Muslim civilisation, challenge narrow perceptions of women’s roles, and recognise a shared heritage of knowledge and creativity.
Planned programmes
The initiative’s plans include an illustrated children’s book, immersive exhibitions, educator resources, guidance for content creators and digital storytelling. Materials are intended for families, schools, museums, festivals and wider public audiences, helping these achievements become widely known and their stories inspire curiosity and participation.
Taking part
Visitors can register interest through the Take Part form. The form collects a name, email address and consent to receive updates, with an optional message field for enquiries. Registering interest does not place a book order, make a payment or guarantee a programme booking.
Availability and announcements
The illustrated children’s book and wider programmes are in development. Publication dates, prices, exhibition venues and programme availability will be announced separately. The website currently invites expressions of interest.
Further information
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