IWSAW is interested in receiving papers based on academic studies or critical essays that address concerns related to women’s quota in the Arab World and its impact on the current political profile.

Within this issue, IWSAW will focus on understanding the gender-specific experiences of women in the Arab world with regards to the enhancement of political participation as a result of the gender quota system, the success/failures of such systems, and hopes for the future. Topics can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Theoretical background, historical perspective and rationale for the existence of gender quotas.
• Gender quotas and the issue of “affirmative action” versus enhancement of political participation.
• Implementation of female quotas in Arab parliaments: Specific examples with success/failure assessments.
• Impact of female representation in parliament on cultural, social, economic and educational development and transformation.
• Statistical studies and future vision concerning maintaining quotas in the Arab world.

If you are interested in contributing to this issue of Al-Raida, kindly send your abstract (250-300 words) no later than November 20, 2008. All
abstracts submitted are reviewed by Al-Raida's editorial staff and are subject to its approval. Once the abstract is approved contributors will have to submit their paper no later than December 30, 2008. Submissions are accepted in English, Arabic or French. All non-English submissions will be translated by IWSAW and published in English following the approval of the author.

This journal edition will be edited by Dr. Arda A. Ekmekji, Member of the Boutros National Commission for a new Electoral Law, Lebanon. Kindly
send your emails simultaneously to the managing editor, Ms. Myriam Sfeir, at al-raida@lau.edu.lb and to the guest editor, Dr.Arda A.Ekmekji at ardaek@hotmail.com