Revealing a forgotten legacy.
Inspiring the next generation to shape the future.
1001 Women is a global initiative of 1001 Foundation, the producer of 1001 Inventions. Founded, produced and led by Ahmed Salim, it brings together historical research, storytelling and public engagement to reveal the overlooked achievements of women from Muslim civilisation.
Through planned books, exhibitions, educational resources and digital storytelling, our purpose is to give these achievements a lasting place in schools and mainstream public life around the world, and help their stories inspire learning, ambition and participation today.
Where are the women?
We hear about the great scholars and innovators of Muslim civilisation. But where are the women in the stories we tell?
From its Golden Age and across the centuries, women contributed as scholars, healers, writers, educators, patrons and leaders. Their lives connect places stretching from Spain and Africa through the Middle East and Central Asia to India. They belonged to different communities, cultures and faiths, and their achievements form part of our shared human heritage.
A decade of research has brought together the stories of more than 300 women. As the research grows towards 1001 documented lives, its purpose is to support the initiative’s wider public engagement work: making this legacy widely known and helping it inspire new generations.
Imagine the world these stories could help create.
A legacy recognised. Imagine a world where the achievements of women from Muslim civilisation are known in schools everywhere, shared through mainstream media and recognised as part of our common history.
A future inspired. Imagine what their stories could encourage: more young women exploring science and technology, expressing their creativity, becoming educators and leaders, and receiving the support of families and communities as they pursue their ambitions.
These two ambitions guide three lasting changes:
- Global recognition and a lasting place in education: bringing the stories into books, classrooms, museums, media and cultural programmes.
- Greater participation in STEM: encouraging young women to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics, take part in learning opportunities and consider further study and careers.
- Broader ambitions and stronger support: building confidence across science, the arts, education and leadership, while engaging the parents, teachers and communities who influence young women’s choices.
Explore the impact we are working towards
Meet some of the women.
- Maryam al-‘Ijliyyah: an astrolabe maker connected to the scientific culture of medieval Aleppo.
- Lubna of Córdoba: a mathematician, secretary and scholar associated with the intellectual world of Al-Andalus.
- Fatimah al-Fihriyyah: a philanthropist remembered for her role in establishing a major centre of learning in Fez.
- Walladah bint al-Mustakfi: a poet-princess of Córdoba remembered for her poetry and literary gatherings.
Discover more stories and fields of achievement
Stories beyond the page.
Books, exhibitions, educational resources and digital storytelling are in development to bring this heritage into homes, schools, museums and public life.
- Children’s book: an illustrated introduction for families and schools, using clear, age-appropriate stories to open a world of possibility.
- Immersive exhibition: a touring experience for museums, festivals, cultural centres and schools, combining historical narratives, mosaic imagery, media and interactive discovery.
- Educator guide: lesson ideas, classroom activities, assemblies, discussion questions and reading prompts that connect the stories with learning.
- Content creator guide: stories, scripts, captions, visuals and guidance to help writers, filmmakers, artists and digital storytellers share this heritage responsibly.
Publication dates, venues, formats and availability will be announced as programmes develop. Explore the programmes or register your interest.
Research and experience, brought together.
1001 Women is a wider global initiative of 1001 Foundation, extending beyond a single publication. Its 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).
The FSTC sourcebook provides a research foundation. The initiative brings these histories to public audiences through planned books, exhibitions, educational resources and digital storytelling. Its illustrated children’s book is a separate publication being developed for younger readers and families.
Founder and producer Ahmed Salim brings the experience of 1001 Inventions in connecting science, cultural heritage and international audiences through films, exhibitions, books and educational programmes.
Read about the initiative, its research and its founder
Be part of the next chapter.
We welcome families, educators, museums, festivals, publishers, translators, creators, sponsors and patrons who want to help these stories reach the world.
Help bring this forgotten legacy into schools and public life, and inspire the next generation through the possibilities it reveals.