The nomination for the The European Muslim Women of Influence (EMWI) List is now closed. The EMWI Commitee has received nominations from across 11 European countries through the online nomination form, including; UK, France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Greece, Sweden, and Belgium. The nominees come from a diverse range of fields including: law, journalism, the arts, community-work, government, medicine and religion.

The The first selection took place in June by the EMWI Committee, followed by a final selection of 10 finalists by our panel of judges in August who will be celebrated at the EMWI Gala event in October.

The CEDAR Network Launch Event and EMWI Gala will take place in Madrid, Spain on 30th October 2010 in celebration of the European Muslim Women of Influence finalists and The CEDAR Network’s first major event. The conference and gala event will bring together entrepreneurs, media representatives, thought leaders, senior policy officials and politicians for an evening of debate, engagement and celebration.

Hosted by Casa Árabe and in partnership with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, the event will feature discussions concerning the future of leadership and cultural pluralism within Europe, as well as fusion musical performances and art exhibitions. Additionally, a short documentary directed and co-produced by award winning filmmaker Jobeda Alialong will premier, bringing to light the diversity of Europe's professional societies and the energy and resources they foster for wider social change.

The gala will then feature the announcement of the European Muslim Women of Influence finalists and their inspirational stories will be showcased. The European Muslim Women of Influence List aims to diversify the mainstream representation of Muslim women and inspire accomplishment across Europe’s diverse communities. In its inaugural year the European Muslim Women of Influence initiative has received nominations spanning 11 European countries and encompassing a diverse range of professional fields, including law, journalism, religion, the arts, government and medicine.