In April 2009, Al-Khaleej Studies Center organized a panel on the reality of women organizations in the UAE and ways to increase their effectiveness and outreach to all society sectors especially youth, to channel their interests towards volunteerism and more civic activism. The panel was chaired by our own Dr. Fatema Al Sayegh and included opinions of several UAE women leaders and activists. Participants in the panel included:
Ahlam Al Lamki, GWU
Amal Belhoul, Psychologist, ‘Watani’ program. (Watani means my country)
Amira Tariam, Editor of Kul Al Usra magazine
Halima Shikshik, RAK Women Organization
Moza Al Taghi, RAK Women Organization
Dr. Hessa Lootah, Professor, UAE University
Sarah bin Karam, Head of Sharjah Women Organziation
Salma Al Junaibi, GWU
Afra Al Mansouri, Head of Family Development Foundation, Shahama
Fatima Al Qubeisi, Family Development Foundation, Al Wathba
Sheikha Majd Saud Al Qassimi, Deputy Director of Sharjah Women Union
The session concluded with the following recommendations:
- Allocate a political seat that represents women organizations that would rotate every 2 or 4 years
- The importance of spreading a culture of social work and increase contact with youth
- Focus on studies and statistics that identify flaws in the work of the organizations as well as proper mechanisms to address these flaws.
- Strengthen relationships between different organizations and create a real partnership between civil society and non-profit organizations
- One women union that would be the umbrella of all women organizations in the country
- More media attention to the role and activities of women organizations
Showing posts with label civil society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label civil society. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Bahrain: Bahrain's Shaikha Mai wants better laws, closer media cooperation
Gulfnews
By Habib Toumi, Bahrain Bureau Chief
Published: April 14, 2009, 15:03
Manama: Bahrain's culture and information minister has called for the codification of press freedom to help promote media standards and reinforce liberties.
"We will, persistently and inexorably, move towards the codification of the freedom of the press as part of the general and public freedoms that must be expanded and developed. All legal and administrative obstacles should be removed so that press freedom can be guarantees are built on robust foundations and exercised within an enlightened and advanced environment," said Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al Khalifa.
"We strongly believe that the press plays a crucial role in the civil dialogue that reinforces freedoms and empowers people to comment on them and explain them," she told members of the International Federation of Journalists who were holding a forum in Bahrain.
According to Shaikha Mai, the media has a crucial role in helping the world confront formidable challenges that include creating employment opportunities, addressing problems related with population growth, wars, climate changes and the need protection of civilizations and heritages.
"In the face of such challenges, we need to stimulate solidarity within the media and develop general commitments to international rights and to civil and political pledges and covenants. We should transfer these international accords to our local legislation and review our laws and rules accordingly. We do need robust partnerships for the sake of the future of the press: ethically and professionally and in terms of knowledge and training," she said.
Genuine partnership with the Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists which has around 600,000 members, could result in improving performances, enhancing practices, spreading the values related to diversified media and bolstering professional standards through training programmess and outstanding initiatives, said the minister who was given the media portfolio last September in a limited cabinet reshuffle.
Bahraini journalists have been pushing for the adoption of a new press law that would guarantee greater freedom and the abolition of jail sentences for reporters and editors.
The government last year presented a law draft, but the parliament has yet to decide on its merits.
Journalists are weary that conservative lawmakers in the lower house would oppose lifting prison jails under the claim that people working in the media should not be given any special privileges.
The Bahrain Journalists Association has been lobbying for the promulgation of a more tolerant press law.
By Habib Toumi, Bahrain Bureau Chief
Published: April 14, 2009, 15:03
Manama: Bahrain's culture and information minister has called for the codification of press freedom to help promote media standards and reinforce liberties.
"We will, persistently and inexorably, move towards the codification of the freedom of the press as part of the general and public freedoms that must be expanded and developed. All legal and administrative obstacles should be removed so that press freedom can be guarantees are built on robust foundations and exercised within an enlightened and advanced environment," said Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al Khalifa.
"We strongly believe that the press plays a crucial role in the civil dialogue that reinforces freedoms and empowers people to comment on them and explain them," she told members of the International Federation of Journalists who were holding a forum in Bahrain.
According to Shaikha Mai, the media has a crucial role in helping the world confront formidable challenges that include creating employment opportunities, addressing problems related with population growth, wars, climate changes and the need protection of civilizations and heritages.
"In the face of such challenges, we need to stimulate solidarity within the media and develop general commitments to international rights and to civil and political pledges and covenants. We should transfer these international accords to our local legislation and review our laws and rules accordingly. We do need robust partnerships for the sake of the future of the press: ethically and professionally and in terms of knowledge and training," she said.
Genuine partnership with the Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists which has around 600,000 members, could result in improving performances, enhancing practices, spreading the values related to diversified media and bolstering professional standards through training programmess and outstanding initiatives, said the minister who was given the media portfolio last September in a limited cabinet reshuffle.
Bahraini journalists have been pushing for the adoption of a new press law that would guarantee greater freedom and the abolition of jail sentences for reporters and editors.
The government last year presented a law draft, but the parliament has yet to decide on its merits.
Journalists are weary that conservative lawmakers in the lower house would oppose lifting prison jails under the claim that people working in the media should not be given any special privileges.
The Bahrain Journalists Association has been lobbying for the promulgation of a more tolerant press law.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Morocco: Women qualify as civil servants for the first time
Rabat, 23 July (AKI) - For the first time in Morocco's history, 19 women have qualified as civil servants, pan-Arab daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat reports.
Previously only men could qualify as civil servants in Morocco.
According to the daily, the 19 women are among 107 new civil servants who qualified on Tuesday in the city of Quneitra, 40 kilometres north of the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
"The presence of women in the civil service reinforces our government's policies aimed at building a modern and democratic society where women and men are equal," said Morocco's Interior Minister Shakib Binumsi.
Binumsi vowed these and other women will in the future be able to reach senior positions in the country's civil service.
Fouzia Amansar in October 2006 became the first female governor of the prefecture of Ain Chock, Casablanca. She was appointed by to the post by King Mohammed VI.
---Adnkronos International
Friday, June 20, 2008
Saudi Arabia: Summer camp aims to help young women plan for future
RIYADH: With the aim of generating a sense of social responsibility among young Saudi adults, the Summer of Luthan camp for girls has been established at Luthan, the first women-only hotel in Riyadh.
The three-week camp, which begins on July 5, is a new concept in summer camps. Among its many programs include visits to workplaces where women are taking the lead. It will also present workshops to enhance the girls’ knowledge of many aspects of life and to build their self-esteem and confidence.
“It is essential to build in the young girls the initiating characteristic, as many were not trained to step up; they are mainly receivers,” says Dr. Nora Al Yousif, a university professor and a consultant on women’s affairs to the Shoura Council.
Al-Yousif, one of the Summer of Luthan planners, said that introducing the young girls to achievers from their society could encourage them to work hard and be confident.
“Social responsibility in our society is still crawling, while in Western society it is a tool that leads development plans to compete — and sometimes overtake — government initiatives,” said Princess Madawi bint Mohammad, board director of Luthan, at a press conference held for announcing the summer camp, which is open to girls of high school and college ages.
“We hope that this initiative we are adopting will be an example for establishing the concept of social responsibility,” she said
About 70 percent of the Saudi population is under the age of 30. Princess Madawi points out that targeting this category is important to create successful examples of women playing an important role in society.
“Building the sense of patriotism and belonging is one of the goals of the Summer of Luthan,” says Aziza Al-Khateeb, another of the camp’s planners. “It is important to read between the lines of this initiative. It sets an example for the participation of the private sector in the field of social responsibility.”
Saudi Arabian society has long offered summertime activities for its youth — young men and women alike.
But Princess Madawi says that many of them are devoted to entertainment and time-wasting activities that do not necessarily engender qualities that can lead young men and women to become productive, socially conscientious citizens.
The Summer of Luthan program, she said, is aimed at a specific key age group of young women with useful activities.
“With Summer of Luthan, we are presenting the girl who is trying to plan her future with a comprehensive program to clarify her vision for future and equip her with necessary tools,” said Princess Madawi.
The camp includes workshops in etiquette, arts and crafts, drawing and other girls’ interests in an entertaining manner, and away from the daily, rigid routine of rote learning.
Princess Madawi said that more programs would be offered in coming years.
-- Walaa Hawari Arab News
The three-week camp, which begins on July 5, is a new concept in summer camps. Among its many programs include visits to workplaces where women are taking the lead. It will also present workshops to enhance the girls’ knowledge of many aspects of life and to build their self-esteem and confidence.
“It is essential to build in the young girls the initiating characteristic, as many were not trained to step up; they are mainly receivers,” says Dr. Nora Al Yousif, a university professor and a consultant on women’s affairs to the Shoura Council.
Al-Yousif, one of the Summer of Luthan planners, said that introducing the young girls to achievers from their society could encourage them to work hard and be confident.
“Social responsibility in our society is still crawling, while in Western society it is a tool that leads development plans to compete — and sometimes overtake — government initiatives,” said Princess Madawi bint Mohammad, board director of Luthan, at a press conference held for announcing the summer camp, which is open to girls of high school and college ages.
“We hope that this initiative we are adopting will be an example for establishing the concept of social responsibility,” she said
About 70 percent of the Saudi population is under the age of 30. Princess Madawi points out that targeting this category is important to create successful examples of women playing an important role in society.
“Building the sense of patriotism and belonging is one of the goals of the Summer of Luthan,” says Aziza Al-Khateeb, another of the camp’s planners. “It is important to read between the lines of this initiative. It sets an example for the participation of the private sector in the field of social responsibility.”
Saudi Arabian society has long offered summertime activities for its youth — young men and women alike.
But Princess Madawi says that many of them are devoted to entertainment and time-wasting activities that do not necessarily engender qualities that can lead young men and women to become productive, socially conscientious citizens.
The Summer of Luthan program, she said, is aimed at a specific key age group of young women with useful activities.
“With Summer of Luthan, we are presenting the girl who is trying to plan her future with a comprehensive program to clarify her vision for future and equip her with necessary tools,” said Princess Madawi.
The camp includes workshops in etiquette, arts and crafts, drawing and other girls’ interests in an entertaining manner, and away from the daily, rigid routine of rote learning.
Princess Madawi said that more programs would be offered in coming years.
-- Walaa Hawari Arab News
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Yemen: Girls education top priority
More than 400 women of the Yemen Women Union (YWU) called for improvement in girls education aiming to increase by 36 percent by 2012. This came during the Union’s Second General Conference held on Monday, June 16 at the 22 May Hall in Sana’a.
The 400 participants are representing 46 thousand members of the union branches in the 22 Yemeni governorates. The conference aims to elect a chairwoman and 121 female members for the Union’s central council for the next four years as well as electing an administrative board of the Union’s executive office and a committee of monitoring and inspection.
The conference also evaluates accomplishments achieved by Yemeni women along the past four years in addition to discussing the Union’s financial and administrative reports. It also holds a workshop on women’s rights in reproductive health. Union’s branches had conducted their elections in the past two months.
Around 18 female representatives of various Arab and foreign countries have also participated in the conference exchanging experiences in different fields. The chairwomen of the YWU, Dr. Ramzia al-Eryany revealed in a press conference held on Sunday, the Union’s new plan for preparing a strategy for the next four years. According to Dr. al-Eryany, the plan aims to raise the rate of girls’ education to 35 percent, to reduce the illiteracy among Yemeni women and to establish more branches in other three governorates. The union has 145 centers for illiteracy eradication and it seeks to establish more centers in the different governorates.
“Yemen needs to empower women economically, socially and politically for achieving comprehensive development. Thus, we try to struggle against all kinds of discrimination against women, and to apply Islamic teachings which respect to women and their rights,” said Dr. al-Eryany.
She also indicated that the YWU has also tried to raise people’s awareness on kidnapping tourists through producing films, explaining dangers of such bad phenomenon and its consequences. The Vice President, Abdrabu Mansour Hadi, said that Yemeni women have a lot of rights which empower them to attain many achievements in different fields.
“Within the great support for women, the political leadership promised to give 15 percent of the parliament and local councils seats for women in the upcoming elections,” he said in the opening ceremony of the conference’s works.
YWU is one of the oldest and largest volunteer civil society organizations in Yemen. It is an independent organization and it represents all women in Yemen. The YWU’s ambition is to improve social and economic conditions for women. It is trying to guarantee justice for women and empower them so they would be able to fight for their rights and to participate effectively as partners in the developmental process.
YWU, which was formed in 1990, has a Special Consultative status with the Economic and Social Council. It is also where women go when they need help, whether legal or social help. It is also a supporter of the developmental and democratic participation of women and it is helping women all over Yemen to obtain their constitutional and legislatives rights that the Yemeni laws entitle them to have.
- Yemen Observer
The 400 participants are representing 46 thousand members of the union branches in the 22 Yemeni governorates. The conference aims to elect a chairwoman and 121 female members for the Union’s central council for the next four years as well as electing an administrative board of the Union’s executive office and a committee of monitoring and inspection.
The conference also evaluates accomplishments achieved by Yemeni women along the past four years in addition to discussing the Union’s financial and administrative reports. It also holds a workshop on women’s rights in reproductive health. Union’s branches had conducted their elections in the past two months.
Around 18 female representatives of various Arab and foreign countries have also participated in the conference exchanging experiences in different fields. The chairwomen of the YWU, Dr. Ramzia al-Eryany revealed in a press conference held on Sunday, the Union’s new plan for preparing a strategy for the next four years. According to Dr. al-Eryany, the plan aims to raise the rate of girls’ education to 35 percent, to reduce the illiteracy among Yemeni women and to establish more branches in other three governorates. The union has 145 centers for illiteracy eradication and it seeks to establish more centers in the different governorates.
“Yemen needs to empower women economically, socially and politically for achieving comprehensive development. Thus, we try to struggle against all kinds of discrimination against women, and to apply Islamic teachings which respect to women and their rights,” said Dr. al-Eryany.
She also indicated that the YWU has also tried to raise people’s awareness on kidnapping tourists through producing films, explaining dangers of such bad phenomenon and its consequences. The Vice President, Abdrabu Mansour Hadi, said that Yemeni women have a lot of rights which empower them to attain many achievements in different fields.
“Within the great support for women, the political leadership promised to give 15 percent of the parliament and local councils seats for women in the upcoming elections,” he said in the opening ceremony of the conference’s works.
YWU is one of the oldest and largest volunteer civil society organizations in Yemen. It is an independent organization and it represents all women in Yemen. The YWU’s ambition is to improve social and economic conditions for women. It is trying to guarantee justice for women and empower them so they would be able to fight for their rights and to participate effectively as partners in the developmental process.
YWU, which was formed in 1990, has a Special Consultative status with the Economic and Social Council. It is also where women go when they need help, whether legal or social help. It is also a supporter of the developmental and democratic participation of women and it is helping women all over Yemen to obtain their constitutional and legislatives rights that the Yemeni laws entitle them to have.
- Yemen Observer
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
UAE: Volunteering must in civil society: experts
ABU DHABI - The first international symposium on developing a 'culture of volunteering' in universities and schools across the country was held in the capital on April 29.
Organised by the Emirates Foundation's volunteer programme Takatof, the symposium, titled 'Learning from the International Volunteer Experience', featured international delegates including senior educational officials and social activists, who stressed that volunteering is a critical aspect of an active civil society.
Delivering the keynote address on university involvement, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, told delegates: "Volunteering adds a different dimension to learning: it helps students apply what they've learned in their classrooms and become contributing members to their societies."
Minister of Education Dr Hanif Hassan announced that a new student volunteer and community service programme has been initiated in the country, in collaboration with Emirates Foundation's Takatof and the Ministry of Culture.
"This now forms the basis for volunteer service activities in all our schools. The philosophy of the programme is to encourage students to make a personal investment in the wellbeing of others, to accept their civic responsibilities and to develop environmental awareness," said the minister.
The specialists who attended the symposium included philanthropist Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Lieutenant-Governor of Maryland, the USA, and a board member of the 'Points of Light' Foundation, Liz Burns from the UK, former world president of the International Association for Volunteer Effort, Patricia Nabti, president of Lebanon's Association for Volunteer Services, and Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way of America.
Brian Gallagher stressed that young people should be given opportunities to assume leadership positions and influence the decision-making process of voluntary organisations, as their passion and commitment are necessary for the success of society.
"Civil society will thrive if the three pillars of society, represented in business, government and voluntary organisations, play equal roles as no segment of the society is complete without the engagement of the others," said Gallagher.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Professor at Georgetown University in the US, said teachers need training in order to raise the awareness of their students regarding issues in the community and get them actively engaged in voluntary activities.
Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, managing director of the Emirates Foundation, commented: "In partnership with both education Ministries, we shall use the results of this symposium to review the "state of the art" in educational volunteering worldwide so that we can determine which models and best practices are most suitable for the nation."
By Asma Hamid, Khaleej Times
Organised by the Emirates Foundation's volunteer programme Takatof, the symposium, titled 'Learning from the International Volunteer Experience', featured international delegates including senior educational officials and social activists, who stressed that volunteering is a critical aspect of an active civil society.
Delivering the keynote address on university involvement, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, told delegates: "Volunteering adds a different dimension to learning: it helps students apply what they've learned in their classrooms and become contributing members to their societies."
Minister of Education Dr Hanif Hassan announced that a new student volunteer and community service programme has been initiated in the country, in collaboration with Emirates Foundation's Takatof and the Ministry of Culture.
"This now forms the basis for volunteer service activities in all our schools. The philosophy of the programme is to encourage students to make a personal investment in the wellbeing of others, to accept their civic responsibilities and to develop environmental awareness," said the minister.
The specialists who attended the symposium included philanthropist Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Lieutenant-Governor of Maryland, the USA, and a board member of the 'Points of Light' Foundation, Liz Burns from the UK, former world president of the International Association for Volunteer Effort, Patricia Nabti, president of Lebanon's Association for Volunteer Services, and Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way of America.
Brian Gallagher stressed that young people should be given opportunities to assume leadership positions and influence the decision-making process of voluntary organisations, as their passion and commitment are necessary for the success of society.
"Civil society will thrive if the three pillars of society, represented in business, government and voluntary organisations, play equal roles as no segment of the society is complete without the engagement of the others," said Gallagher.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Professor at Georgetown University in the US, said teachers need training in order to raise the awareness of their students regarding issues in the community and get them actively engaged in voluntary activities.
Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, managing director of the Emirates Foundation, commented: "In partnership with both education Ministries, we shall use the results of this symposium to review the "state of the art" in educational volunteering worldwide so that we can determine which models and best practices are most suitable for the nation."
By Asma Hamid, Khaleej Times
Monday, April 14, 2008
Saudi Arabia: New society being formed to protect rights of Saudi women
Riyadh: A group of Saudi academics and Shaikhs are trying to launch a society to protect the rights of women. The new society, which is under registration process at the Ministry of Interior, will be a major boost in efforts to empower Saudi women. Dr Gazi Al Shamri, a member of the proposed society and director of the family development centre in Jubail, told Gulf News that they had received initial approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs. The society, which will be headquartered in Riyadh, will have branches in various regions of the country. "It will start functioning under the framework of the Saudi legal and Shariah systems," he said.
According to Dr Al Shamri, the society will serve as a means for Saudi women to seek and protect their rights. The society aims to fulfill women's aspirations, safeguard interests, address needs and suggest social corrections. The society's functioning will be based on the Shariah concept of "alliance of acceptance", which was adopted by the Arab tribes in the past while lending a hand to the oppressed. "A number of women will be appointed as employees at the society and women from all walks of life can approach them to redress their grievances and present their suggestions," he said. "The society will present women's complaints to the Shura Council and to the Ministry of Interior," he said. The basic goal of the society is to empower women to perform duties permissible within the religious and legal framework, he said.
By Mariam Al Hakeem, Gulf News
According to Dr Al Shamri, the society will serve as a means for Saudi women to seek and protect their rights. The society aims to fulfill women's aspirations, safeguard interests, address needs and suggest social corrections. The society's functioning will be based on the Shariah concept of "alliance of acceptance", which was adopted by the Arab tribes in the past while lending a hand to the oppressed. "A number of women will be appointed as employees at the society and women from all walks of life can approach them to redress their grievances and present their suggestions," he said. "The society will present women's complaints to the Shura Council and to the Ministry of Interior," he said. The basic goal of the society is to empower women to perform duties permissible within the religious and legal framework, he said.
By Mariam Al Hakeem, Gulf News
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saudi Arabia: Women’s rights body in pipeline
Women’s rights activists in the Kingdom are eagerly anticipating the establishment of Ansar Al-Marah — the first civil society dedicated to supporting women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.
Suliman Al-Salman, founder of Ansar Al-Marah, told Arab News that the society aims to create institutional and individual change that would improve the lives of women in the Kingdom. "After two years of negotiations with the Ministry of Social Affairs, a request to establish Ansar Al-Marah has been initially approved," said Al-Salman, adding that the Shoura Council’s recent approval of the establishment of a National Authority for Civil Society Organizations would speed up the process of obtaining a license for the society to operate.
Ansar Al-Marah comprises 21 men and women from both the Shiite and Sunni communities. Members include researchers, academics, educators and activists. The body aims to increase awareness of women’s right by facilitating ongoing debates on fundamental and provocative women issues; and help women improve their social, educational and cultural levels by conducting studies and research.
Al-Salman said that the society would act as an intermediate body between women and officials. He also denied that there has been a historical bias against women in Saudi Arabia. "Looking back to the 60s and 70s women were moving toward the right direction; they started to take higher educations and play a part in the social development," he said.
Speaking about the current situation of women, Al-Salman said, "The majority of women today are under the dominance of men. They can’t be active members of society because of restrictions over their ability to leave home and arrange transport, and their being unable to get the simplest things unless they go through men."
Al-Salman said that the current women’s assemblies in the Kingdom tend to function under the framework of humanitarian relief. "Women’s issues are complicated. This requires the establishment of several independent societies to serve women," said Al-Salman, who is from Al-Qassim.
The idea for Ansar Al-Marah came up after Al-Salman failed to be elected in the municipal election of 2005. As part of his election manifesto, Al-Salman advocated to support women’s rights. "I decided to continue defending women’s right through other approaches especially after having a full support from activists," he said.
Regarding the criticism of some people who may feel that the society aims to Westernize Saudi Arabia, Al-Salman said, "Helping women to get their rights, which are ignored or suppressed by law or customs doesn’t conflict with Islam, which does not prevent women from utilizing their own money, driving or choosing their own husbands."
He added, "Both activists and religious people are fighting extremism and are willing to exert efforts for the best of our country."
Arab News
Suliman Al-Salman, founder of Ansar Al-Marah, told Arab News that the society aims to create institutional and individual change that would improve the lives of women in the Kingdom. "After two years of negotiations with the Ministry of Social Affairs, a request to establish Ansar Al-Marah has been initially approved," said Al-Salman, adding that the Shoura Council’s recent approval of the establishment of a National Authority for Civil Society Organizations would speed up the process of obtaining a license for the society to operate.
Ansar Al-Marah comprises 21 men and women from both the Shiite and Sunni communities. Members include researchers, academics, educators and activists. The body aims to increase awareness of women’s right by facilitating ongoing debates on fundamental and provocative women issues; and help women improve their social, educational and cultural levels by conducting studies and research.
Al-Salman said that the society would act as an intermediate body between women and officials. He also denied that there has been a historical bias against women in Saudi Arabia. "Looking back to the 60s and 70s women were moving toward the right direction; they started to take higher educations and play a part in the social development," he said.
Speaking about the current situation of women, Al-Salman said, "The majority of women today are under the dominance of men. They can’t be active members of society because of restrictions over their ability to leave home and arrange transport, and their being unable to get the simplest things unless they go through men."
Al-Salman said that the current women’s assemblies in the Kingdom tend to function under the framework of humanitarian relief. "Women’s issues are complicated. This requires the establishment of several independent societies to serve women," said Al-Salman, who is from Al-Qassim.
The idea for Ansar Al-Marah came up after Al-Salman failed to be elected in the municipal election of 2005. As part of his election manifesto, Al-Salman advocated to support women’s rights. "I decided to continue defending women’s right through other approaches especially after having a full support from activists," he said.
Regarding the criticism of some people who may feel that the society aims to Westernize Saudi Arabia, Al-Salman said, "Helping women to get their rights, which are ignored or suppressed by law or customs doesn’t conflict with Islam, which does not prevent women from utilizing their own money, driving or choosing their own husbands."
He added, "Both activists and religious people are fighting extremism and are willing to exert efforts for the best of our country."
Arab News
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