Amman Summit: Rise in Women in Parliament, a Moroccan Experience that must be feneralized in Arab states
Regional-Morocco, Culture, 11/5/2002

Participants to the Amman Summit of Arab Women said women's access to parliament, a model experience in Morocco, must be generalized in the Arab states.

Participants granted a particular interest to the speech delivered on Sunday by Princess Lalla Meryem at the opening of the summit, wherein she stressed that Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, made of women's participation a major goal.

Thirty-five women won seats in the Moroccan 325-member House of Representative during last September 27 legislative elections, a record in the Arab world.

In her speech, the princess called for the setting up of an organization for the empowerment of Arab women and promoting their contribution to social development.

"The juncture the Arab world is going through incites us to set up an organization of Arab women, as a fundamental instrument for the elaboration of common strategies to promote women's condition," the princess said.

Queen Rania of Jordan pledged a new status for Arab women, especially through their participation in economic and social activities.

She called Arab women to take part in the development of their countries and fight illiteracy and discrimination on the basis of sex, deploring that "only 4% of Arab women have access to the internet." It is undoubtedly the lowest rate in the world," she said.

Egyptian first lady, Suzanne Mubarak, called for gender equality in employment, saying the creation of an organization of Arab women will contribute to the empowerment of Arab women and the development of the Arab world.

The first lady of Lebanon, Andre Lahoud, said the challenges facing Arab women cannot be taken without unifying ranks and acting by priority.

Spouse of the Sudanese president, Fatma Al-Bashir, said the Arab woman must play its role fully in promoting the Arab culture and the Islamic values, adding that "Arab women can contribute to achieving the aspirations of the Arab and Islamic peoples."

Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, said the fact that Arab women are still on the margin of society is an argument for those who criticize Arab states, deploring Arab women's weak participation in the political life.

Arab culture and values are no obstacle to the evolution of society and women empowerment, he said.

Previous Stories:
  Mrs. Mubarak: No future, development without women's partnership   (11/4/2002)
  Five leading figures take part in Arab Women Summit   (11/2/2002)
  Morocco pleads for credible reform of the UN   (11/1/2002)
  Mrs. Mubarak opens second conference for women   (10/26/2002)
  Arab League chief praises Moroccan legislative polls   (10/10/2002)
  Arab parliamentarians back Morocco's kingty over Sebta, Melillia, Tourah Islet   (9/27/2002)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search