guest
Opening remarks are provided by Souad Akib and Abdessamad Zouhir, well-known and loved in Malden as generous contributors to community. From Morroco originally, they understand the challenges and significance of being immigrants. They also work directly with many immigrants living in and around Malden. As husband and wife, they help lead the American Association for Arab Women (AAAW), an organization known in Malden for its events, educational services, and outreach to women and families from Arabic-speaking countries who now live in the Greater Boston area. This organization also provides guidance and training to young aspiring leaders looking to develop their skills and expand their impact. Souad and Abdessamad also are always generous and eager to partner and contribute to other community organizations, initiatives, and events. Their intelligent and caring regard for every individual is an inspiration to many.
About Souad Akib
About Abdessammad Zouhir
About the American Association for Arab Women (AAAW)
“The American Association for Arab Women is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Arab Women in the State of Massachusetts.
The Arab Women in the US are often without strong network of extended family that is traditional in Arab culture, which can make dealing with the many cultural issues they face here very stressful. Many lack the language skills and education levels that can help find jobs, leading to financial strain. For women, the issues that arise with raising children here can be very stressful. As children start to Americanize to fit in with their peers at school, tension rises. The AAAW’s committee brings together these women, who recently have come to the US, with more established immigrants to discuss problems and find better ways of coping with social challenges. As a result, many Arab women suffer from depression, and regression.”