Follow the Women project: sets up a support network, future action towards peace
Regional, Culture, 4/19/2004

The current situation in the Middle East is unstable, women and children are suffering daily. They are deprived of the normal day-to-day life which all take for granted such as going to school and work; doing the shopping; meeting up with friends; and caring for your family.

Living in an area of conflict, the focus is on "staying alive." Practical issues such as whether you have electricity and water, where your next meal will come from and whether your children will come home today or in fact whether they can go out, are combined with the psychological burden of constant fear. Fear of abuse, fear of the future. Public relations director of Spacetel Syria which operates phone number extensions 094 Fares Kallas said that the aims of the "Follow The Women" are to show solidarity with Arab women and the Middle east; to change perception of the international community, through international media, project the right image about the region, including the region's women; to raise support for a move towards peace and justice and greater undertstanding.

Those less involved in decision making, are often the ones who are socially oppressed and suffer consequences of those decisions. Follow The Women will give women the opportunity to have a say, be in control and have a powerful and influential impact on those around them.

Hundreds of women all cycling at the same time is not the norm in the Middle East and will attract attention and people will take notice. This is what the event is aiming for in order to gain publicity, sponsorship and to capture the hearts and minds of as many people as possible. It will show commitment and support by women throughout both Europe and the Middle East, and educate a wide audience as to the situation facing all women living in an area of conflict.

The objective of this cycling event is to provide a platform for women to discuss their daily living in a region of conflicts; to encourage people to come to the region as a safe, desirable and easily accessible destination for foreign visitors; to raise awareness about the conflict in the region and pursue creative efforts to reach a just peace and to given women an opportunity to have a say, be in control and have a powerful and influential impact on those around them.

Kallas detailed that so far some 285 women from the participating countries confirmed participation in the event which will be held under the patronage of minister of social affairs and Labor Mrs. Siham Dillo, including 20 from Syria reflecting Syrian women active participation in all walks of life, noting that women dignitaries from various countries are taking part, aging between 18 to 76 year old. Among them is former member of the European parliament Mrs. Anna Giovanni. However, a Women's Conference will take place in Amman from 23rd - 25th of April. During the cycle ride to this destination the women would have built lifelong relationships, received an education into each other's daily lives and should arrive with a drive to take action towards creating a more peaceful environment. Approximately 300 women will take part in this conference to set up a support network and to plan future action towards peace. A keynote speech will be given by HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal of Jordan. More information on the conference will be available soon.

Countries involved so far are: Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Iceland, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Norway, Palestinian Territories, Turkey and U.K.

Moreover, the team involved in this event are a group of woman who have met through projects with young people; Ordinary woman who believe the peace in the region is possible; and Woman from 23 countries with an idea and a commitment to act - Cyprus, Eire, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Palestinian Territories, Spain, Syria, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, UK, USA.

Supporters of this remarkable event in the three concerned Arab states are in Lebanon, Her Excellency Madame Lahoud of Lebanon; Leban Post; Progressive Youth Organisation and all relevant Government Departments.

In Syria Her Excellency Mrs. Asma Al-Assad of Syria; SPACETEL - Syria and All relevant Government Departments.

In Jordan:HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal of Jordan;Tarif Cycling Club; Municipality of Amman and all relevant Government Departments.

Other participating Countries are Ministry of Youth and Sport, Palestine; Palestinian Youth Union, Palestine; Digital Scalpel Ltd, UK; National Cycle Helmet Initiative, UK; Nirvana Spa and Pulse 8, UK; Scarlet Fusion Marketing, UK; The British Council and the European Parliament Euromed YOUTH Programme.

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