July 6^th. In an invitation from the U.S. Department of State to visit the United States of America, Dr. Ansam Sawalha, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Director of the Poison Control and Drug Information Center at An-Najah National University, was honored at the White House during a special celebration that was held there in appreciation of her scientific achievements.

Dr. Sawalha mentioned that an honorary meeting was held at the White House with four women in President Barak Obama’s Administration where she delivered a speech in which she spoke about her personal scientific achievements. In her speech also, Dr. Sawalha introduced An-Najah National University to the audience by talking about its stages of development, achievements and work. After the honoring, the participants discussed the role of women in the third world countries and the possible ways to develop this role; Dr. Sawalha’s speech was broadcasted live through the media network at the White House.

During her visit, Dr. Sawalha also participated in a training program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which focused on writing and evaluating scientific projects through coordinating training with the bodies and institutions that work on supporting scientific research in the third world countries. Other issues were also discussed including the readiness of the NIH to receive higher studies students from the third world countries who seek to pursue their study in the field of health in the US.

Moreover, Dr. Sawalha held a number of workshops at the U.S. Department of State in which a number of US officials participated. Another meeting was held between Dr. Sawalha and a number of key American leading women in which they discussed the possible ways to develop the role of women in the developing countries.

Also, Dr. Sawalha presented a gift from An-Najah University to the Representative of the U.S. Department of State.

In addition to this, a meeting with representatives of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and the Committee on Science and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) in which the participants discussed the ways to develop the image of women in the media in the third world communities through developing women in the scientific and leadership fields so as to be a good example in western media.

Dr. Sawalha also mentioned that the National Science Foundation (NSF) is currently preparing a documentary about the biography of Arab women who excelled in the scientific field. Dr. Sawalha was chosen along with another lady from Saudi Arabia to feature in the scientific documentary which will be broadcasted in October by the United States National Science Foundation.

Furthermore, a number of meetings were organized between Dr. Sawalha and several officials at various American universities including the University of Maryland, the University of Michigan, New York University and Columbia University. Dr. Sawalha also visited the Institute for Research on Women and Gender at the University of Michigan which was established 1975 where she was introduced to the Institute’s program, study plan, and the higher studies theses on women-related issues which can be used to benefit women studies programs at An-Najah University. Dr. Sawalha held a number of meetings and lectures with leading figures and scientists with whom she discussed the establishment of scientific links and connections with scientists in the third world countries.

Dr. Sawalha’s visit was supported through a funding from the U.S. Department of State, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Meridian Institution for Cultural Exchange. Dr. Sawalha thanked all those who supported and organized her visit to the US, and valued An-Najah University President’s efforts and support.