Arab League leaders vow to protect women’s rights
Manama : Members of the League of Arab States yesterday stressed on the importance of empowering women of the region economically.
This was stated here during the opening of the 36th session of Arab Women Committee of Arab League and the preparatory meeting for the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, chaired by the Kingdom.
Held under the patronage of Wife of His Majesty the King and Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the two-day long sessions hosts ministers and representatives of governmental woman development authorities in the 22 members of the league.
The League’s General Secretary Ahmed Aboul Gheit attended the function yesterday and asserted on the league’s keenness to support women in Arab states, especially during the critical conditions witnessed in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Palestine.
“Combatting all forms of violence against women is one of the league’s priorities. In this meeting we will concentrate on enhancing the situations of women in the Arab region, considering the current unprecedented political, economic, cultural and security situations. Taking the necessary procedures to ensure the protection of women’s rights in armed conflicts is vital now, especially with the growing conflict circles in our region during the past few years,” Aboul Gheit said in his opening speech yesterday.
The General Secretary announced that the “Arab agreement on combatting violence against women and domestic violence” and the “Arab strategy to protect woman refugees” will be discussed during the meetings, considering the increasing numbers of violence against women cases in refugee camps.
“The changes witnessed by the region has motivated us to set enabling women economically as our prime goal. Enhancing the economic situations of women would be an additional insurance for them. Several initiatives in this regard will be on the table of discussions in the meetings. Arab governments must work to integrate women in their sustainable development plans by enabling them politically, economically and socially,” Aboul Gheit added.
Excessive Cooperation Needed
On her part, SCW General Secretary Dr. Hala Al Ansari stated that the attendance of Aboul Gheit reflects the care the League of Arab States provides to women rights and development.
She emphasised that more cooperation is required to achieve a positive and touching change in the development of Arab women.
“We must build on what have been achieved in the previous sessions,” Dr. Al Ansari said, referring to the great efforts and gains attained during the 36th session of Arab Women Committee of Arab League in the UAE.
The General Secretary highlighted that the meetings will include a set of important matters to be discussed, including the sustainable development of woman in accordance with the 2030 developmental plan, women’s peace and security, enabling women economically and socially, enhancing women’s political role and the exchange of expertise in the fields of women empowerment among member states.
Princess Sabeeka International Award Announced
During her speech, Dr. Al Ansari officially announced the launch of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa International Award for Women Empowerment, adding that registration for the first addition has opened yesterday in cooperation with the United Nations Women (UN-Women), which has adopted the initiative. “The UN-Women support comes as a reflection of the success the prize accomplished locally,” she said.
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