By Sarah Alzouman, Staff writer Kuwait Times
KUWAIT: In honor of International Women's Day, Sout Al-Kuwait hosted a round table discussion about the role of women in Kuwaiti society which was attended by activists representing women in art, society, politics, sports and journalism.
Although the speakers and subject matter varied, the main message was that the dream for an equal role for women in society to benefit the entire nation required the cooperation of the entire nation to become a reality. "Women are assets to their nation socially, politically and in any field they participate in," stated Nabila Al-Anjeri, a former parliamentary candidate. Al-Anjeri said that this reality had unfortunately become lost among false claims that women's participation in politics contradicted moral or cultural values.
Dr Aseel Alawadhi, a professor at Kuwait University and former parliamentary candidate, added that a patriarchal society that excludes women from a number of spheres, including the political, is a major stumbling block on women's road to equality. "Women must have a role in politics simply by virtue of being citizens of Kuwait. Unfortunately, a male dominated culture leads to a crisis of confidence about the ability of women to participate in the political process, not only in the minds of men, but in the minds of women as well.
Alawadhi remained optimistic, however, that Kuwaiti women are more than capable of achieving their political goals. "Women's experience in politics is a very recent one, and I consider it extremely successful so far," she said. Alawadhi pointed to the results of the last elections, in which a number of female candidates, Alwadhi among them, put up very competitive numbers as evidence of the great advancements women had made in a short period of political participation.
The segregation of men and women in educational institutions was another issue criticized by both speakers and attendees. Suhaila Al-Najdi, an art professor at Kuwait University, was surprised that an exhibit of student art was subject to segregation, asking why a work of art created by a male student should not be exhibited by a female. The kind of attitude that would lead to such segregations damages the academic environment and ultimately the society as well, Al-Najdi declared.
Iman Al-Kout, Tae Kwon Do champion and instructor, said the path for Kuwaiti women athletes was an arduous one because they are disadvantaged in comparison to their international colleagues. Al-Kout said that women athletes who perform on the international level are supported by societies who respect and encourage sports excellence, something sorely lacking in Kuwait.
After the discussion, Alwadhi and Al-Anjeri spoke in more detail about their involvement in past elections and the challenges that are magnified in the case of women candidates, most notably securing funding for their campaigns and the very nature of campaigning in Kuwait. The social nature of campaigning was established in an exclusively male political environment with 25 constituencies. Now that there are five constituencies, the sheer size and number of voters makes the old model impracticable, especially for professional women who run for office, Al-Anjeri explained.
Despite these difficulties, Alawadhi said she was against changing the number of constituencies from five to ten and against the establishment of a quota system for women in parliament. The establishment of five constituencies is a parliamentary right, Alawadhi stated, passed under tremendous support of Kuwaiti citizens and she was against any unconstitutional change in the law.
Alawadhi also opposed the idea of a quota for women in Parliament, insisting that even if it is a long process, women would gain invaluable experience in the political process. "We cannot just change the Constitution and force the situation when we still have not seen the full results of women's political participation. Women should be given the chance to gain experience and establish themselves as politicians so that when women reach Parliament, they have proven their capabilities and earned people's trust and confidence.
Showing posts with label international women's day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label international women's day. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton: International Women's Day
Secretary Clinton's International Women's Day 2009 comments:
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2009, I am proud to honor women around the world who are blazing trails and surmounting obstacles in pursuit of equality and opportunity. Although you may not know their names or recognize their faces, these women advocates are hard at work in every country and on every continent, seeking to fulfill their right to participate fully in the political, economic and cultural lives of their societies. Often working against great odds and at great personal sacrifice, they are a key to global progress in this new century and deserve our admiration and support.
Put simply, we have much less hope of addressing the complex challenges we face in this new century without the full participation of women. Whether the economic crisis, the spread of terrorism, regional conflicts that threaten families and communities, and climate change and the dangers it presents to the world’s health and security, we will not solve these challenges through half measures. Yet too often, on these issues and many more, half the world is left behind.
This is not simply a matter of emotion or altruism. A growing body of research tells us that supporting women is a high-yield investment, resulting in stronger economies, more vibrant civil societies, healthier communities, and greater peace and stability. But even so, no nation in the world has yet achieved full equality for women.
Women still comprise the majority of the world’s poor, unfed, and unschooled. Hundreds of thousands of women die in childbirth every year. They are subjected to rape as a tactic of war and exploited by traffickers globally in a billion dollar criminal business. Laws are still on the books denying women the right to own property, access credit, or make their own choices within their marriage. And honor killings, maiming, female genital mutilation, and other violent and degrading practices that target women are tolerated in too many places today.
Like all people, women deserve to live free from violence and fear. To create peaceful, thriving communities, women must be equal partners. That means making key resources available to women as well as men, including the chance to work for fair wages and have access to credit; to vote, petition their governments and run for office; to know they can get healthcare when they need it, including family planning; and to send their children to school—their sons and their daughters.
Women also have a crucial role to play in establishing peace worldwide. In regions torn apart by war, it is often the women who find ways to reach across differences and discover common ground as mothers, caretakers, and grassroots advocates. One need only look to Northern Ireland, Rwanda, the Balkans, and parts of Central America to see the impact of women working in their communities to bridge divides in areas of sectarian conflict.
This week, as we celebrate the accomplishments and the untapped potential of women around the world, we must remind ourselves that ensuring the rights of women and girls is not only a matter of justice. It is a matter of enhancing global peace, progress, and prosperity for generations to come.
When women are afforded their basic rights, they flourish. And so do their children, families, communities, and nations.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2009, I am proud to honor women around the world who are blazing trails and surmounting obstacles in pursuit of equality and opportunity. Although you may not know their names or recognize their faces, these women advocates are hard at work in every country and on every continent, seeking to fulfill their right to participate fully in the political, economic and cultural lives of their societies. Often working against great odds and at great personal sacrifice, they are a key to global progress in this new century and deserve our admiration and support.
Put simply, we have much less hope of addressing the complex challenges we face in this new century without the full participation of women. Whether the economic crisis, the spread of terrorism, regional conflicts that threaten families and communities, and climate change and the dangers it presents to the world’s health and security, we will not solve these challenges through half measures. Yet too often, on these issues and many more, half the world is left behind.
This is not simply a matter of emotion or altruism. A growing body of research tells us that supporting women is a high-yield investment, resulting in stronger economies, more vibrant civil societies, healthier communities, and greater peace and stability. But even so, no nation in the world has yet achieved full equality for women.
Women still comprise the majority of the world’s poor, unfed, and unschooled. Hundreds of thousands of women die in childbirth every year. They are subjected to rape as a tactic of war and exploited by traffickers globally in a billion dollar criminal business. Laws are still on the books denying women the right to own property, access credit, or make their own choices within their marriage. And honor killings, maiming, female genital mutilation, and other violent and degrading practices that target women are tolerated in too many places today.
Like all people, women deserve to live free from violence and fear. To create peaceful, thriving communities, women must be equal partners. That means making key resources available to women as well as men, including the chance to work for fair wages and have access to credit; to vote, petition their governments and run for office; to know they can get healthcare when they need it, including family planning; and to send their children to school—their sons and their daughters.
Women also have a crucial role to play in establishing peace worldwide. In regions torn apart by war, it is often the women who find ways to reach across differences and discover common ground as mothers, caretakers, and grassroots advocates. One need only look to Northern Ireland, Rwanda, the Balkans, and parts of Central America to see the impact of women working in their communities to bridge divides in areas of sectarian conflict.
This week, as we celebrate the accomplishments and the untapped potential of women around the world, we must remind ourselves that ensuring the rights of women and girls is not only a matter of justice. It is a matter of enhancing global peace, progress, and prosperity for generations to come.
When women are afforded their basic rights, they flourish. And so do their children, families, communities, and nations.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Kuwait: A guide for women’s rights and family law
Women’s rights in the family law in Kuwait and Shariah courts in Bahrain will be the focus of a study to be conducted soon as part of GCC women’s activists’ celebration to mark the International Women Day.
The Kuwaiti Chairwoman of the Cultural and Social Society Shaikha Al Nasaf said during the first GCC Forum that the study was divided to theatrical and practical as those conducting it would review family law in Kuwait and its commitment to protection of women’s rights and judgment differences between Jaffary and Sunni courts in Bahrain.
The study would also highlight activities conducted by the society and Bahrain’s Women Union and find mechanisms to enhance NGOs activities in empowering women.
The forum three-day event started on March 26 in Kuwait city and attracted activists from all GCC states.
Al Nasaf said that the society launched on March 8 a campaign entitled “Your Law is Your Light” to enhance women’s awareness on laws in general and the family law in particular.
The Bahrain’s delegation highlighted the long journey to pressure the government to comply Shariah principles in one law (family law) as the President of Women Union Mariam Al Ruwai said that activists had been fighting for the law for more than twenty years.
The debated law is facing mix reactions from the public as some are supporting it to regulate judgment process of court cases related to marriage, divorce, custody, alimony and inherences, while others object its importance as according to them the legislation is the first step to abandon Shariah judgments.
Al Ruwai said that the law would benefit all family members, mainly women. “Many women prefer to lead miserable marriage lives out of fear of being humiliated or mistreated at courts.”
While highlighting the benefits of the law, Al Ruwai explained that it wouldn’t bring magical solutions but situations at courts would be better after its implementation. “The role of the law could be reinforced with major reforms in the judicial authority, such as better criteria in selecting judges and the fast activation of the alimony fund.”
While highlighting the benefits of the law, Al Ruwai explained that it wouldn’t bring magical solutions but situations at courts would be better after its implementation. “The role of the law could be reinforced with major reforms in the judicial authority, such as better criteria in selecting judges and the fast activation of the alimony fund.”
UNIFEM’s Executive Director Mona Ghanim called upon NGOs and women movements to pressure governments of Arab world to implement family laws to deal affectively with legal disputes related to Shariah. She said that the forum was good chance to motivate activists to join efforts for more rights for women.
The forum highlighted the publishing of a guide to highlight Bahrain and Kuwait experiences in fighting for the implementation of the family law.
-- Women Gateway
Monday, March 24, 2008
Egypt: Women are still locked out of key leading posts
Despite constitutional articles and laws guaranteeing equal rights the process of empowering Egyptian women, who represent 49 per cent of the country's population, has a long way to go.
It was a problem highlighted at a conference in Brussels organised under the heading "Women: Stabilising an Insecure World" in advance of International Women's Day. Attended by female leaders from around the world -- the more than 50 participants included Mrs Suzanne Mubarak, foreign ministers, lawmakers and senior European Union and UN officials -- the conference addressed ways of ensuring a larger political role for women in conflict resolution and tackling poverty.
"It's up to women to take the lead in challenging the traditions and dogmas that have resulted in their exclusion from the political process," Mrs Mubarak told the conference. "Investing in women is essential if we are to meet the challenges we face, from poverty, hunger and illiteracy to environmental degradation," she said during a sideline meeting on gender equality and advancement.
A few days after the Brussels conference Mrs Mubarak inaugurated the National Council for Women's (NCW) branch in North Sinai, built at a cost of LE1 million, as part of NCW's own celebrations of Women's Day. Speaking at the new branch she appealed for a wider political role for women in addressing today's urgent problems. "In Egypt we should ensure that we hear the voices of women and address their concerns wherever we seek to establish or keep the peace. If we do that we are actually making the job of improving the status of Egyptian women easier," she said.
Women are vastly underrepresented in the ownership and/or management of private sector firms and in senior public sector positions. Farkhonda Hassan, secretary-general of the NCW, points out that as far as government employment is concerned, women tend to be concentrated in social service ministries. Yet while they constitute 70 per cent of the labour force employed by the Ministry of Health and Population, only 15 per cent of mid-level and senior management positions are held by women. Similar discrepancies are found in the Ministry of International Cooperation, where women represent 46 per cent of total employees, and the Ministry for Economic Development, where they account for 46 per cent of the workforce. In contrast, only eight per cent of the Ministry of Military Production and the Ministry of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs' employees are women. The situation is even worse at the Ministry of Justice: Egypt has only 30 women judges.
"Research confirms that very few women are empowered in leadership positions. The Egyptian cabinet includes only two women and there has never been a female prime minister, vice-president or president of the republic though nothing in the constitution or law prevents this," says Hassan. She revealed that the NCW is currently working towards the appointment of Egypt's first female governor.
The 1956 constitution, and its 2007 amendments, both guarantee women's full participation in political life. In 1956 women members of the legislature represented just 0.57 per cent of the total. Between 1979 and 1986 there were 35 female MPs, and between 1984 and 1987 just 36 despite the fact that Law 21/1979 allowed for 33 seats to be directly allocated to female candidates. That law was repealed in 1986, since which time the number of women in parliament has declined steadily. Only 2 per cent of the 444 seats in the current parliament are occupied by women.
Despite these figures Hassan believes that women are no longer the weaker players and that they must be allowed to make a difference at all levels, from grassroots family and community initiatives through to regional, national, and international decision-making roles. "Accordingly, the NCW engages across a broad spectrum of interests... the council does not have any direct interests of its own other than to see women in their right position, enjoying the stability and prosperity males enjoy."
"The NCW has succeeded in initiating the establishment of equal opportunity units in most ministries to look at issues of gender equality in recruitment, promotion and training. Though these units lack adequate funds and the authority to implement decisions they are still supporting women," says Hassan, who adds that the council is also preparing a comprehensive database of women in managerial positions in order to better target its activities.
Reem Leila, Al Ahram
It was a problem highlighted at a conference in Brussels organised under the heading "Women: Stabilising an Insecure World" in advance of International Women's Day. Attended by female leaders from around the world -- the more than 50 participants included Mrs Suzanne Mubarak, foreign ministers, lawmakers and senior European Union and UN officials -- the conference addressed ways of ensuring a larger political role for women in conflict resolution and tackling poverty.
"It's up to women to take the lead in challenging the traditions and dogmas that have resulted in their exclusion from the political process," Mrs Mubarak told the conference. "Investing in women is essential if we are to meet the challenges we face, from poverty, hunger and illiteracy to environmental degradation," she said during a sideline meeting on gender equality and advancement.
A few days after the Brussels conference Mrs Mubarak inaugurated the National Council for Women's (NCW) branch in North Sinai, built at a cost of LE1 million, as part of NCW's own celebrations of Women's Day. Speaking at the new branch she appealed for a wider political role for women in addressing today's urgent problems. "In Egypt we should ensure that we hear the voices of women and address their concerns wherever we seek to establish or keep the peace. If we do that we are actually making the job of improving the status of Egyptian women easier," she said.
Women are vastly underrepresented in the ownership and/or management of private sector firms and in senior public sector positions. Farkhonda Hassan, secretary-general of the NCW, points out that as far as government employment is concerned, women tend to be concentrated in social service ministries. Yet while they constitute 70 per cent of the labour force employed by the Ministry of Health and Population, only 15 per cent of mid-level and senior management positions are held by women. Similar discrepancies are found in the Ministry of International Cooperation, where women represent 46 per cent of total employees, and the Ministry for Economic Development, where they account for 46 per cent of the workforce. In contrast, only eight per cent of the Ministry of Military Production and the Ministry of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs' employees are women. The situation is even worse at the Ministry of Justice: Egypt has only 30 women judges.
"Research confirms that very few women are empowered in leadership positions. The Egyptian cabinet includes only two women and there has never been a female prime minister, vice-president or president of the republic though nothing in the constitution or law prevents this," says Hassan. She revealed that the NCW is currently working towards the appointment of Egypt's first female governor.
The 1956 constitution, and its 2007 amendments, both guarantee women's full participation in political life. In 1956 women members of the legislature represented just 0.57 per cent of the total. Between 1979 and 1986 there were 35 female MPs, and between 1984 and 1987 just 36 despite the fact that Law 21/1979 allowed for 33 seats to be directly allocated to female candidates. That law was repealed in 1986, since which time the number of women in parliament has declined steadily. Only 2 per cent of the 444 seats in the current parliament are occupied by women.
Despite these figures Hassan believes that women are no longer the weaker players and that they must be allowed to make a difference at all levels, from grassroots family and community initiatives through to regional, national, and international decision-making roles. "Accordingly, the NCW engages across a broad spectrum of interests... the council does not have any direct interests of its own other than to see women in their right position, enjoying the stability and prosperity males enjoy."
"The NCW has succeeded in initiating the establishment of equal opportunity units in most ministries to look at issues of gender equality in recruitment, promotion and training. Though these units lack adequate funds and the authority to implement decisions they are still supporting women," says Hassan, who adds that the council is also preparing a comprehensive database of women in managerial positions in order to better target its activities.
Reem Leila, Al Ahram
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Saudi Arabia: Shura Council Recommends Allowing Saudi Women to Drive With Limitations
On March 17, 2008, Alarabiya.net reported that the Saudi Shura Council has recommended allowing women to drive. The recommendation follows recent efforts by Saudi women rights activists headed by Wajeha Al-Huwaidar and Fawziya Al-Uyuni.
Ten days ago Al-Huwaidar marked the International Women’s Day, March 8, 2008 by driving her car in Saudi Arabia appealing to the minister of interior, Prince Nayef to allow women to drive. Her driving was posted on Youtube and received international attention.
[To view the clip translated into English see MEMRI TV clip No. 1712, visit http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/1712.htm ]
The following is a summary of the Saudi Shura Council recommendation.
The Recommendations
A source in Saudi Arabia's Shura Council reports that the council has submitted a recommendation to senior elements in the country to permit women to drive vehicles, with the following stipulations:
Ten days ago Al-Huwaidar marked the International Women’s Day, March 8, 2008 by driving her car in Saudi Arabia appealing to the minister of interior, Prince Nayef to allow women to drive. Her driving was posted on Youtube and received international attention.
[To view the clip translated into English see MEMRI TV clip No. 1712, visit http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/1712.htm ]
The following is a summary of the Saudi Shura Council recommendation.
The Recommendations
A source in Saudi Arabia's Shura Council reports that the council has submitted a recommendation to senior elements in the country to permit women to drive vehicles, with the following stipulations:
- The woman driver must be under 30.
- The woman's driving is conditional upon the permission of a relative [father, husband, brother, or son].
- The woman driver must obtain a driver's license from the center for teaching women to drive.
- The woman driver must be modestly dressed.
- The woman driver will be permitted to drive alone in the cities, but outside the cities she must be accompanied by a relative.
- The woman driver will be permitted to drive Saturday through Wednesday between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
- The woman driver must have a cell phone with her, so she can call for help in an emergency.
- The woman driver must pay a certain sum when her license is issued; this sum will be set aside for car repairs.
The Shura Council also ordered the following:
- The establishment of a special women's transportation department; this department will collect the fees.
- The establishment of a telephone emergency center.
- The establishment of transportation centers for women in the cities, which will be under religious supervision.
- The council stipulated that a woman driver who violates these rules will have her license revoked.
In the framework of this recommendation, the Shura Council is required to impose a one-month prison sentence and a fine on anyone talking with a woman driver from another car, and an eight-month prison sentence and a fine on anyone who sexually harasses a woman driver.
A transportation administration source reports that the Shura Council has as yet issued no guidelines for establishing a women's transportation department.
From MEMRI.org
Saudi Arabia: YouTube Video of Woman Driving
Saudi women's rights activist Wajeha Al-Huwaider sent a video message -- while driving in the kingdom -- to all Saudi women about driving on International Women's Day.
This is the video:
This is the video:
Monday, March 10, 2008
Saudi Arabia: Woman Drives on YouTube
By LARA SETRAKIAN for ABC News
When Wajeha Al Huwaider gets behind the wheel of a car, it's a daring and defiant act, flying -- or driving -- in the face of Saudi Arabia's ban on female drivers.
This weekend, in honor of International Women's Day and in protest of the law, she posted a video on Youtube of her driving inside the kingdom.
Al Huwaider is one of a group of women petitioning for the right to drive in Saudi Arabia. In a country governed by fundamentalist interpretations of Islam its activities have earned the group a rash of slanderous accusations and death threats from religious conservatives.
"They accuse me, [saying] 'you are a prostitute and you want all the women to be like you.' That's how they see when a women drives a car," Al Huwaider told ABC News after making the video.
She made the video while driving outside the city limits of her hometown, Dahran, a city in Saudi Arabia's eastern province.
She says women can get away with driving outside major urban areas. Some Saudi women drive within private compounds or limited rural spaces. Al Huwaider, who took driving lessons in Bloomington, Ind., drives to work each day within a compound.
In the clip Al Huwaider makes an impassioned speech in Arabic from behind the wheel. She congratulates women around the world for their achievements and calls on all women in Saudi Arabia to fight for more legal and social rights.
Al Huwaider and her fellow activists have collected signatures from women around the country hoping that the Ministry of the Interior will overturn the ban. Saudi women have protested the ban for decades, but with new technology they have been able to amplify an emboldened voice of opposition.
There have been broad calls for greater legal and civil rights in Saudi Arabia. Those in favor of change include the Saudi ruler, King Abdullah, who announced an initial set of judicial reforms last year. The King has said that he expects Saudi women will drive one day. But, for the time being, the ban remains.
Seeking Her Son's Permission
Change has come gradually for women in Saudi Arabia. More women have been joining the work force and earlier this year they were granted permission to stay in hotels alone, though only with the consent of a male guardian. Saudi women need the permission of a mehram, or male guardian, for basic activities like work or travel.
"Women cannot do anything. She cannot study, she cannot work, she cannot marry, she cannot get a divorce. It's a long list. You cannot move from the house, you cannot get medical care without a man's permission. So driving is a minor issue compared to some others," Al Huwaider told ABC News.
Sheikh Assem Al Hakeem, a conservative religious TV preacher based in Jeddah, describes and advocates the fundamentalist thinking behind the requirement of a male guardian. One conservative moral argument against letting women drive is that they will be able to mix more freely with men outside their families.
"Guardianship in marriage is a must," Al Hakeem told The Middle East magazine. "Islam looks at marriage as a boat. The woman is the passenger and the man is the captain."
Under the Saudi system a woman's male guardian can be her husband, brother or son. In Al Huwaider's case, her guardian is her 17-year-old son.
"He's the one in charge of my life, he's the one who has the control if I want to travel & even if I want to have surgery I have to get a permission from him," she said.
Al Huwaider says the general consensus among Saudi women is that sons are the worst male guardians because "they feel they own their mothers." Brothers, she says, make the best male guardians. Husbands fall somewhere in between.
"In general, brothers are the best ... especially when he has a wife and is open-minded," she said. "But of course we don't want anybody, we want to be responsible for ourselves."
Despite opposition from the religious establishment Al Huwaider expects change to come eventually. In January there were reports that the driving ban would be lifted by year's end, an optimistic view that Al Huwaider has adopted.
"We feel it will happen soon. & I feel it's going to happen this year," she told ABC News.
Until then she remains part of a growing movement in Saudi Arabia engaged in the fight for women's rights.
"I'm not afraid of the government, but I'm afraid of the religious establishment -- people who think that I am trying to change the society, to make it Westernized," said Al Huwaider.
"In a country like Saudi Arabia you always have to take risks."
When Wajeha Al Huwaider gets behind the wheel of a car, it's a daring and defiant act, flying -- or driving -- in the face of Saudi Arabia's ban on female drivers.
This weekend, in honor of International Women's Day and in protest of the law, she posted a video on Youtube of her driving inside the kingdom.
Al Huwaider is one of a group of women petitioning for the right to drive in Saudi Arabia. In a country governed by fundamentalist interpretations of Islam its activities have earned the group a rash of slanderous accusations and death threats from religious conservatives.
"They accuse me, [saying] 'you are a prostitute and you want all the women to be like you.' That's how they see when a women drives a car," Al Huwaider told ABC News after making the video.
She made the video while driving outside the city limits of her hometown, Dahran, a city in Saudi Arabia's eastern province.
She says women can get away with driving outside major urban areas. Some Saudi women drive within private compounds or limited rural spaces. Al Huwaider, who took driving lessons in Bloomington, Ind., drives to work each day within a compound.
In the clip Al Huwaider makes an impassioned speech in Arabic from behind the wheel. She congratulates women around the world for their achievements and calls on all women in Saudi Arabia to fight for more legal and social rights.
Al Huwaider and her fellow activists have collected signatures from women around the country hoping that the Ministry of the Interior will overturn the ban. Saudi women have protested the ban for decades, but with new technology they have been able to amplify an emboldened voice of opposition.
There have been broad calls for greater legal and civil rights in Saudi Arabia. Those in favor of change include the Saudi ruler, King Abdullah, who announced an initial set of judicial reforms last year. The King has said that he expects Saudi women will drive one day. But, for the time being, the ban remains.
Seeking Her Son's Permission
Change has come gradually for women in Saudi Arabia. More women have been joining the work force and earlier this year they were granted permission to stay in hotels alone, though only with the consent of a male guardian. Saudi women need the permission of a mehram, or male guardian, for basic activities like work or travel.
"Women cannot do anything. She cannot study, she cannot work, she cannot marry, she cannot get a divorce. It's a long list. You cannot move from the house, you cannot get medical care without a man's permission. So driving is a minor issue compared to some others," Al Huwaider told ABC News.
Sheikh Assem Al Hakeem, a conservative religious TV preacher based in Jeddah, describes and advocates the fundamentalist thinking behind the requirement of a male guardian. One conservative moral argument against letting women drive is that they will be able to mix more freely with men outside their families.
"Guardianship in marriage is a must," Al Hakeem told The Middle East magazine. "Islam looks at marriage as a boat. The woman is the passenger and the man is the captain."
Under the Saudi system a woman's male guardian can be her husband, brother or son. In Al Huwaider's case, her guardian is her 17-year-old son.
"He's the one in charge of my life, he's the one who has the control if I want to travel & even if I want to have surgery I have to get a permission from him," she said.
Al Huwaider says the general consensus among Saudi women is that sons are the worst male guardians because "they feel they own their mothers." Brothers, she says, make the best male guardians. Husbands fall somewhere in between.
"In general, brothers are the best ... especially when he has a wife and is open-minded," she said. "But of course we don't want anybody, we want to be responsible for ourselves."
Despite opposition from the religious establishment Al Huwaider expects change to come eventually. In January there were reports that the driving ban would be lifted by year's end, an optimistic view that Al Huwaider has adopted.
"We feel it will happen soon. & I feel it's going to happen this year," she told ABC News.
Until then she remains part of a growing movement in Saudi Arabia engaged in the fight for women's rights.
"I'm not afraid of the government, but I'm afraid of the religious establishment -- people who think that I am trying to change the society, to make it Westernized," said Al Huwaider.
"In a country like Saudi Arabia you always have to take risks."
Bahrain: Women seek end to discrimination
MANAMA - Bahraini women yesterday called for massive legislative reforms to eliminate discrimination against them in laws, especially the nationality law that deprive them the right to grant their nationality to their children.
During ceremonies, seminars and gatherings held yesterday to mark the International Day for Women, NGOs and women activists urged for a family law to save women many humiliations and bias they are facing at some courts.
The Women Union held a seminar to discuss women’s affairs in Bahrain and honoured distinguished Bahraini women. Human rights organisations held an event to deliberate mechanisms to remove discriminations against women such as ill-treatments at workplace and domestic violence.
The Bahrain Businesswomen Association announced yesterday an initiative in association with the United Nations to empower women in business by promote them to establish small and medium businesses. The General Secretary of the Supreme Council for Women Lulwa Al Awadhi said that complete equality between men and women wasn’t yet achieved but there were great intentions to fight for better and more rights for women.
Head of Women Union Mariam Al Ruwaee said that Bahrain was keen to empower women but such efforts were clashing sometime with outdated thoughts by the public.
Although women in Bahrain are still fighting for more rights, their achievements have been recognised locally and internationally.
Women have reached high ranking positions like minister of social development, minister of health, Supreme Council for Women (SCW) Deputy Chairwoman, two members at the National Strategy for Women Empowerment, 11 members at the Consultative Council and the Parliament (27.5 per cent of the total number of parliament members), two women at the rank of under-secretary, 13 at the rank of assistant under-secretary, seven members in the judicial authority including three judges at the constitutional court and high and lower civil courts, three attorney-generals, ambassador to China, member of the GCC Advisory Council and President of UN’s 61st General Assembly.
According to a UN Gender Report for 2007-2008, Bahrain occupied the third Arab position and the 42nd rank at the international level, showing higher women competence in comparison with men in health and education domains. In international level, Bahrain occupies the 23rd position internationally in terms of women who got access to primary, secondary and higher education that represented 90 per cent against 82 for men while adult women who can read and write represented 83.6 per cent against only 82 per cent among the male population.
In 2007, Bahraini women won membership to many international women’s organisations and four women, including Shaikha Lulwa bint Mohammed Al Khalifa were nominated for Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of the services they had rendered to women, families and community.
By Suad Hamada, Khaleej Times
During ceremonies, seminars and gatherings held yesterday to mark the International Day for Women, NGOs and women activists urged for a family law to save women many humiliations and bias they are facing at some courts.
The Women Union held a seminar to discuss women’s affairs in Bahrain and honoured distinguished Bahraini women. Human rights organisations held an event to deliberate mechanisms to remove discriminations against women such as ill-treatments at workplace and domestic violence.
The Bahrain Businesswomen Association announced yesterday an initiative in association with the United Nations to empower women in business by promote them to establish small and medium businesses. The General Secretary of the Supreme Council for Women Lulwa Al Awadhi said that complete equality between men and women wasn’t yet achieved but there were great intentions to fight for better and more rights for women.
Head of Women Union Mariam Al Ruwaee said that Bahrain was keen to empower women but such efforts were clashing sometime with outdated thoughts by the public.
Although women in Bahrain are still fighting for more rights, their achievements have been recognised locally and internationally.
Women have reached high ranking positions like minister of social development, minister of health, Supreme Council for Women (SCW) Deputy Chairwoman, two members at the National Strategy for Women Empowerment, 11 members at the Consultative Council and the Parliament (27.5 per cent of the total number of parliament members), two women at the rank of under-secretary, 13 at the rank of assistant under-secretary, seven members in the judicial authority including three judges at the constitutional court and high and lower civil courts, three attorney-generals, ambassador to China, member of the GCC Advisory Council and President of UN’s 61st General Assembly.
According to a UN Gender Report for 2007-2008, Bahrain occupied the third Arab position and the 42nd rank at the international level, showing higher women competence in comparison with men in health and education domains. In international level, Bahrain occupies the 23rd position internationally in terms of women who got access to primary, secondary and higher education that represented 90 per cent against 82 for men while adult women who can read and write represented 83.6 per cent against only 82 per cent among the male population.
In 2007, Bahraini women won membership to many international women’s organisations and four women, including Shaikha Lulwa bint Mohammed Al Khalifa were nominated for Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of the services they had rendered to women, families and community.
By Suad Hamada, Khaleej Times
Jordan: Women’s movement urged to push for motherhood fund
AMMAN - Labour Minister Bassem Salem on Sunday urged women’s groups to unite their efforts and push for a government-proposed amendment in the social security draft law to establish a motherhood fund.
“We need the active involvement of the women’s movement, because a fund would solve many problems for women seeking maternity leave and employers who do not hire young women for fear they would have to give them paid maternity leave,” Salem said.
The minister made the remarks during a lecture on women’s economic empowerment to mark International Women’s Day at the Amman Chamber of Industry.
The mechanism of a motherhood fund would consist of taking a small percentage of employees’ salaries, matched by a contribution from business owners, which would be used to pay working women during their maternity leave.
The Cabinet is expected to discuss the social security draft law on Tuesday, according to Salem.
Asma Khader, secretary general of the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), echoed the minister’s remarks saying a fund would solve a big problem for working women.
Khader said the government is trying to encourage women to get more involved in the national economy field in specific and the workforce in general.
“We should exert all efforts to encourage women to join the workforce and adopt friendly policies that encourage women to be active in the labour market,” Khader told the gathering.
She added that work needs to be focused on drafting legislation that protect women from discrimination and harassment at work because currently there are no laws protecting women from such violations.
The Department of Statistics (DoS) launched a booklet entitled, “Women and Men in Jordan in figures, 2008” on Sunday as part of the Kingdom’s celebration of International Women’s Day.
DoS figures indicate that the actual level of female labour force participation is about half its potential, with only 14.7 per cent of Jordanian women active in the formal sector.
Men’s participation in the labour market stood at 60 per cent, according to the figures.
Meanwhile, unemployment among women in Jordan stood at 25.6 per cent, while the official rate for men was 10.3 per cent, according to DoS.
Another government study released in February 2008 indicated that two-thirds of created jobs, or 66 per cent, were provided by the private sector, 29 per cent of which were taken by females. Of the jobs offered by the public sector, only 11 per cent went to female applicants.
Sunday’s event was organised by the JNCW and the United Nations Development Fund for Women.
By Rana Husseini, Jordan Times
“We need the active involvement of the women’s movement, because a fund would solve many problems for women seeking maternity leave and employers who do not hire young women for fear they would have to give them paid maternity leave,” Salem said.
The minister made the remarks during a lecture on women’s economic empowerment to mark International Women’s Day at the Amman Chamber of Industry.
The mechanism of a motherhood fund would consist of taking a small percentage of employees’ salaries, matched by a contribution from business owners, which would be used to pay working women during their maternity leave.
The Cabinet is expected to discuss the social security draft law on Tuesday, according to Salem.
Asma Khader, secretary general of the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), echoed the minister’s remarks saying a fund would solve a big problem for working women.
Khader said the government is trying to encourage women to get more involved in the national economy field in specific and the workforce in general.
“We should exert all efforts to encourage women to join the workforce and adopt friendly policies that encourage women to be active in the labour market,” Khader told the gathering.
She added that work needs to be focused on drafting legislation that protect women from discrimination and harassment at work because currently there are no laws protecting women from such violations.
The Department of Statistics (DoS) launched a booklet entitled, “Women and Men in Jordan in figures, 2008” on Sunday as part of the Kingdom’s celebration of International Women’s Day.
DoS figures indicate that the actual level of female labour force participation is about half its potential, with only 14.7 per cent of Jordanian women active in the formal sector.
Men’s participation in the labour market stood at 60 per cent, according to the figures.
Meanwhile, unemployment among women in Jordan stood at 25.6 per cent, while the official rate for men was 10.3 per cent, according to DoS.
Another government study released in February 2008 indicated that two-thirds of created jobs, or 66 per cent, were provided by the private sector, 29 per cent of which were taken by females. Of the jobs offered by the public sector, only 11 per cent went to female applicants.
Sunday’s event was organised by the JNCW and the United Nations Development Fund for Women.
By Rana Husseini, Jordan Times
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Iraq: Women demand equality, end to violence
Scores of women rallied outside a Baghdad hotel on Saturday demanding an end to violence and equal social status with men as part of the observations of International Women's Day.
"Stop neglecting women. Stop killing women. Stop creating widows," read a large banner that the women, from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, held at the Babylon Hotel in Baghdad's central Karada neighbourhood.
After the rally the protesters joined a much larger group that included men and children at a hotel conference room to hear from various speakers.
One of the speakers was Nariman Mahmoud Othman, minister for women's rights, who led a delegation of women to the office of the head of Iraq's parliament, Mahmoud Mashhadani, with a list of issues concerning women's rights they wanted to discuss.
Orbia Tawfiq, a professor at Baghdad's Collge of Arts, said "we demand that women be given their rights. They should not be oppressed and they should be treated like human beings. Women must not be treated as commodities. They must be granted freedom in choosing their husbands and careers," she said.
Mohar Abdel Hamid, 38, said that the needs of widows like herself must be addressed."I hope the government listens to us because women have always suffered in Iraq," she told AFP.
A recent report by US-based Women For Women International said the state of Iraqi women since the March 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq has become a "national crisis."
According to the report, released Thursday, 64 percent of the women surveyed said violence against them had increased since the war.
-- Agence France-Presse
"Stop neglecting women. Stop killing women. Stop creating widows," read a large banner that the women, from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, held at the Babylon Hotel in Baghdad's central Karada neighbourhood.
After the rally the protesters joined a much larger group that included men and children at a hotel conference room to hear from various speakers.
One of the speakers was Nariman Mahmoud Othman, minister for women's rights, who led a delegation of women to the office of the head of Iraq's parliament, Mahmoud Mashhadani, with a list of issues concerning women's rights they wanted to discuss.
Orbia Tawfiq, a professor at Baghdad's Collge of Arts, said "we demand that women be given their rights. They should not be oppressed and they should be treated like human beings. Women must not be treated as commodities. They must be granted freedom in choosing their husbands and careers," she said.
Mohar Abdel Hamid, 38, said that the needs of widows like herself must be addressed."I hope the government listens to us because women have always suffered in Iraq," she told AFP.
A recent report by US-based Women For Women International said the state of Iraqi women since the March 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq has become a "national crisis."
According to the report, released Thursday, 64 percent of the women surveyed said violence against them had increased since the war.
-- Agence France-Presse
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Oman: Sultanate guarantees women equal rights, opportunities: Sharifa
The Sultanate, along with the world, will observe and celebrate International Women’s Day today.
Today, March 8, of every year marks a day which is dedicated to women regardless of their race, language and culture.
In fact, women advancements and achievements occur on a daily basis. The Omani woman is the focal point of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s government, guaranteeing her equal rights and opportunities. March 8 allows us to reflect and acknowledge these accomplishments.
“The wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said recognises the important role in the empowerment of all Omani women in all sectors of the society. Omani women are the foundation of support for their families, and are at the forefront in every sphere of life," Dr Sharifa bint Khalfan bin Nassir Al Yahyaeiyah, minister of social development, said here yesterday.
“It gives me great pleasure to join every mother, wife, daughter and sister all over the world in celebrating ‘International Women’s Day’, and to congratulate every woman in every nation on her advancements in securing her important role in the society. Women are key players in ensuring sustainable development and in shaping their communities and families,” Dr Sharifa said.
“We must pay tribute to the exceptional achievements of Omani women in all sectors, which are attributed to the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.”
The Omani woman enjoys a wide array of civil and political liberties that are founded on the Islamic Sharia Law and all other laws, particularly the Basic Law of the State.
These laws have respected and protected all Omani women. Her equal attainment to education without gender discrimination and free access to all healthcare services has supported her to excel. Omani women have been appointed to high-level posts in the government and private sectors, which has had an impact on the country’s development.
Today, an Omani woman is a minister, an undersecretary, an ambassador, and a member of the State Council (Majlis Al Dowla). Women are doctors, teachers and engineers, and are employed at educational institutions, the armed forces and the police.
Omani women proudly undertook these responsibilities together without compromising their vital role in the upbringing of the new generation and in instilling social values. “Her voice is heard and echoed throughout the country.
Since 1970, the Omani woman was granted the right to establish associations, and engage civil society, in addressing the needs of all. Omani Women’s Association (OWA) provides a channel for voluntary work and the development of local communities. There are now a total of 52 Omani Women’s Association units in the Sultanate,” Dr Sharifa emphasised.
On the international front, the minister said, Omani women have proven themselves as leaders. The government has ensured that their rights remain protected and supported through the ratification of international treaties and conventions. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was ratified in May 2005, where a multisectorial committee was formed to ensure that these articles are implemented and closely monitored.
The Ministry of Social Development exerts tremendous efforts in providing basic services to the community and particularly to the family, with close attention to issues pertaining to women and their empowerment and advancement. It works in close collaboration with the government counterparts, the private sector and civil society to ensure that women are at the core of the country’s development.
The achievements of women are endless, and are in every area. The ‘National Women Strategy’ is a comprehensive strategy that aims at addressing all key areas of concern for women to ensure their well-being and support them. This strategy is currently under revision.
“On behalf of all Omani women, I have the honour to greatly praise and highly appreciate His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s continued support in ensuring that the Omani women are an essential component of this country, and its sustainable development,” the minister concluded.
-- Times of Oman
Today, March 8, of every year marks a day which is dedicated to women regardless of their race, language and culture.
In fact, women advancements and achievements occur on a daily basis. The Omani woman is the focal point of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s government, guaranteeing her equal rights and opportunities. March 8 allows us to reflect and acknowledge these accomplishments.
“The wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said recognises the important role in the empowerment of all Omani women in all sectors of the society. Omani women are the foundation of support for their families, and are at the forefront in every sphere of life," Dr Sharifa bint Khalfan bin Nassir Al Yahyaeiyah, minister of social development, said here yesterday.
“It gives me great pleasure to join every mother, wife, daughter and sister all over the world in celebrating ‘International Women’s Day’, and to congratulate every woman in every nation on her advancements in securing her important role in the society. Women are key players in ensuring sustainable development and in shaping their communities and families,” Dr Sharifa said.
“We must pay tribute to the exceptional achievements of Omani women in all sectors, which are attributed to the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.”
The Omani woman enjoys a wide array of civil and political liberties that are founded on the Islamic Sharia Law and all other laws, particularly the Basic Law of the State.
These laws have respected and protected all Omani women. Her equal attainment to education without gender discrimination and free access to all healthcare services has supported her to excel. Omani women have been appointed to high-level posts in the government and private sectors, which has had an impact on the country’s development.
Today, an Omani woman is a minister, an undersecretary, an ambassador, and a member of the State Council (Majlis Al Dowla). Women are doctors, teachers and engineers, and are employed at educational institutions, the armed forces and the police.
Omani women proudly undertook these responsibilities together without compromising their vital role in the upbringing of the new generation and in instilling social values. “Her voice is heard and echoed throughout the country.
Since 1970, the Omani woman was granted the right to establish associations, and engage civil society, in addressing the needs of all. Omani Women’s Association (OWA) provides a channel for voluntary work and the development of local communities. There are now a total of 52 Omani Women’s Association units in the Sultanate,” Dr Sharifa emphasised.
On the international front, the minister said, Omani women have proven themselves as leaders. The government has ensured that their rights remain protected and supported through the ratification of international treaties and conventions. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was ratified in May 2005, where a multisectorial committee was formed to ensure that these articles are implemented and closely monitored.
The Ministry of Social Development exerts tremendous efforts in providing basic services to the community and particularly to the family, with close attention to issues pertaining to women and their empowerment and advancement. It works in close collaboration with the government counterparts, the private sector and civil society to ensure that women are at the core of the country’s development.
The achievements of women are endless, and are in every area. The ‘National Women Strategy’ is a comprehensive strategy that aims at addressing all key areas of concern for women to ensure their well-being and support them. This strategy is currently under revision.
“On behalf of all Omani women, I have the honour to greatly praise and highly appreciate His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s continued support in ensuring that the Omani women are an essential component of this country, and its sustainable development,” the minister concluded.
-- Times of Oman
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Jordan: ‘Progress for women is progress for all’
AMMAN - Gender mainstreaming is expensive but a worthy investment that will enhance a county’s financial prosperity and human development, UN agencies in Jordan stressed during an International Women’s Day celebration on Tuesday.
The commemoration ceremony, held under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma in coordination with local UN heads of mission, highlighted this year’s theme: “Financing for Gender Equality and Empowerment”.
According to UN agencies, there is a critical need for increased investment in women and girls, and political rhetoric and objectives are not compatible with the required human and financial resources.
They emphasised that donors and governments should decisively identify the country’s needs and have more political will to advocate for budget allocations.
In her keynote address, Princess Basma pointed out that “intensive efforts are required to counteract women’s under-representation [in the Kingdom], particularly in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and finance”.
She explained that although increasing financial commitments on already overburdened budgets may not be greatly welcomed by financial decision-makers, it should be remembered that ultimately these measures are for the good of all.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Princess saluted Jordanian women and the women of Palestine, “particularly Gazan women who are enduring overwhelming hardships under fierce Israeli attacks”.
Participants stood for a moment of silence and prayer “for the martyrs who lost their lives”, at her request.
Meanwhile, UN resident coordinator, Luc Stevens noted that in spite of the many commitments made by national and international stakeholders, much remains to be done to counter impediments to the advancement of women.
He cited the 2005 World Summit, when governments of all nations agreed with General Assembly Resolution 60/1: “Progress for women is progress for all”.
Gender equality commitments were made through the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, the outcome of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly in 2000, the 2000 Millennium Summit, the 2002 Monterrey Consensus and the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.
“Despite these commitments, there are still insufficient resources to adequately support policies and programmes that promote the advancement of women,” Stevens said.
He explained that the lack of resources and insufficient budgetary allocations also hold back efforts to realise all the Millennium Development Goals.
“We are now at the mid-point of our journey to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and only by investing in the world’s women and girls can we expect to reach our destination,” the UN official added.
On a positive note, Mouna Ghanem, UNIFEM Arab States regional office director, told The Jordan Times that the Kingdom already recognises the need for women’s progress and has many projects geared towards this goal.
“The environment is already conducive to the empowerment of women, we should use this advantage and exert more efforts for further growth in all areas for women, including politics,” she said.
Some of the challenges stakeholders face in mobilising increased support include the lack of senior gender specialists and the absence of dialogue between the public and private sectors, donors, research bodies and women’s organisations, according to the UN.
A few of the UN recommendations presented at yesterday’s event included increasing support for analytical work to identify inequalities, making poverty reduction strategies more gender responsive, and ensuring that trade promotes economic growth, employment and development for all.
-- By Linda Hindi, Jordan Times
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Jordan: Queen Rania Urges Investments To Benefit Women Around the Globe
WASHINGTON – Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan addressed a cross section of prominent Washingtonians today in observance of International Women's Day, which is celebrated on March 8 around the world, to stress the need for more investment in women’s advancement.
Her Majesty focused her remarks on the progress women have made in advancing economic opportunity and building civil society and political progress. Queen Rania also noted that despite the strides women have made, many challenges remain.
Citing her first hand field experiences, the Queen spoke passionately about the changes she has seen, especially in Jordan and in the region, when women have access to business opportunities and political participation.“We are moving in the right direction,” she said of the Arab world, “The number of Arab women entrepreneurs is on the rise… in my travels across the region, from Lebanon to Morocco to Dubai, I see Arab women taking on an ever greater role in society – as doctors, lawyers, teachers, journalists, politicians and more.”
She reminded her audience that investments in women benefit all sectors of society. “Working women are not only better able to support their families, they strengthen productivity and bolster growth for their communities and their countries,” said the Queen.
The Queen applauded Vital Voices’ newest initiative to advance the status of women, calling the campaign “a path-breaking coalition to invest in women’s leadership.”The Women Can Campaign, launched this week to coincide with International Women’s Day, will help identify, inspire, train, and empower women leaders in developing countries and emerging democracies around the world, and to communicate the value of women’s leadership.
The Queen praised the campaign's founder, Melanne Verveer, Chair of Vital Voices Global Partnership, and her partners: Exxon Mobil Corporation, designer and CEO Diane von Furstenberg, International Business Advisor Carly Fiorina, and Advertising Firm EURO RSCG Worldwide for their leadership.Last month, Queen Rania visited another project designed to empower females, Girls Count – A Global Action and Investment Agenda, whose motto is "counting girls, investing in girls and advocating for girls."
The program came out of the Coalition for Adolescent Girls, made up of UN agencies, NGOs, and companies committed to the idea that girls are the most cost effective and best investment that can be made toalleviate poverty and improve society. The program’s partners are the UN Foundation and the Nike Foundation. Today's event was co-sponsored by The United Nations Foundation, Vital Voices Global Partnership and The Coca-Cola Company.
-- From Earth Times
Her Majesty focused her remarks on the progress women have made in advancing economic opportunity and building civil society and political progress. Queen Rania also noted that despite the strides women have made, many challenges remain.
Citing her first hand field experiences, the Queen spoke passionately about the changes she has seen, especially in Jordan and in the region, when women have access to business opportunities and political participation.“We are moving in the right direction,” she said of the Arab world, “The number of Arab women entrepreneurs is on the rise… in my travels across the region, from Lebanon to Morocco to Dubai, I see Arab women taking on an ever greater role in society – as doctors, lawyers, teachers, journalists, politicians and more.”
She reminded her audience that investments in women benefit all sectors of society. “Working women are not only better able to support their families, they strengthen productivity and bolster growth for their communities and their countries,” said the Queen.
The Queen applauded Vital Voices’ newest initiative to advance the status of women, calling the campaign “a path-breaking coalition to invest in women’s leadership.”The Women Can Campaign, launched this week to coincide with International Women’s Day, will help identify, inspire, train, and empower women leaders in developing countries and emerging democracies around the world, and to communicate the value of women’s leadership.
The Queen praised the campaign's founder, Melanne Verveer, Chair of Vital Voices Global Partnership, and her partners: Exxon Mobil Corporation, designer and CEO Diane von Furstenberg, International Business Advisor Carly Fiorina, and Advertising Firm EURO RSCG Worldwide for their leadership.Last month, Queen Rania visited another project designed to empower females, Girls Count – A Global Action and Investment Agenda, whose motto is "counting girls, investing in girls and advocating for girls."
The program came out of the Coalition for Adolescent Girls, made up of UN agencies, NGOs, and companies committed to the idea that girls are the most cost effective and best investment that can be made toalleviate poverty and improve society. The program’s partners are the UN Foundation and the Nike Foundation. Today's event was co-sponsored by The United Nations Foundation, Vital Voices Global Partnership and The Coca-Cola Company.
-- From Earth Times
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Bahrain: Activists call for new legislation to empower women in Bahrain
Women remain unequal before the law unless vital legislations pertaining to their rights are passed, according to human rights activists.
As NGOs and pro-women advocacy groups prepare to celebrate anew the International Women’s Day this week, many say that the government had continued to stall proactive action on legislations relating to women.
Among others, the activists cited the lack of action towards the passage of the Family Law and the elimination of discrimination against women. Domestic violence was also one issue that had not been totally addressed with practically no single person ever facing prosecution for physically or verbally assaulting women.
“Many years had passed and we still do not have the laws that have been much talked about. Women still remain at a receiving end,” said Fawzia Rabea, woman rights activist and coordinator of the Al Sharaka movement.
The International Women’s Day will be observed on the 8th of March and local organisations are already lining up activities to mark the day. The Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society, with its allied women’s group Respect, noted in its report earlier this month that there were as much as 700 reported cases of domestic violence last year.
“The incidents of domestic violence continued to rise. There is also a rise in cases related to divorce and custody of children,” said Faisal Fulad, society regional director.
Despite the cases being reported, very few of them ever reach prosecution or get fully settled in court because of the lack of legislation, claim women activists. The executive and legislative authorities are yet to enact a unified Family Law and to ensure housemaids’ protection in particular.
Various groups such as the Supreme Council for Women had constantly lobbied for the passage of laws and Bahrain’s full ratification, without reservation, of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Bahrain ratified the said convention but with reservation in 2002.
The government had taken steps to address women’s rights issues. One of recent legislations that the government passed relating to women’s protection was that of the law against human trafficking.
-- Bahrain Tribune
As NGOs and pro-women advocacy groups prepare to celebrate anew the International Women’s Day this week, many say that the government had continued to stall proactive action on legislations relating to women.
Among others, the activists cited the lack of action towards the passage of the Family Law and the elimination of discrimination against women. Domestic violence was also one issue that had not been totally addressed with practically no single person ever facing prosecution for physically or verbally assaulting women.
“Many years had passed and we still do not have the laws that have been much talked about. Women still remain at a receiving end,” said Fawzia Rabea, woman rights activist and coordinator of the Al Sharaka movement.
The International Women’s Day will be observed on the 8th of March and local organisations are already lining up activities to mark the day. The Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society, with its allied women’s group Respect, noted in its report earlier this month that there were as much as 700 reported cases of domestic violence last year.
“The incidents of domestic violence continued to rise. There is also a rise in cases related to divorce and custody of children,” said Faisal Fulad, society regional director.
Despite the cases being reported, very few of them ever reach prosecution or get fully settled in court because of the lack of legislation, claim women activists. The executive and legislative authorities are yet to enact a unified Family Law and to ensure housemaids’ protection in particular.
Various groups such as the Supreme Council for Women had constantly lobbied for the passage of laws and Bahrain’s full ratification, without reservation, of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Bahrain ratified the said convention but with reservation in 2002.
The government had taken steps to address women’s rights issues. One of recent legislations that the government passed relating to women’s protection was that of the law against human trafficking.
-- Bahrain Tribune
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