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In all fairness, this is about society
Conclusions reached at the AWO conclave deserve to be highlighted.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:42 November 12, 2008
Bringing issues that concern women in the Arab world to the fore is driven by necessity, as they constitute almost half of the population. Tackling problems and obstacles faced by them means providing solutions for the entire society at large. It is important, therefore, that conclusions reached at the Arab Women's Organisation (AWO) Conference held in Abu Dhabi are highlighted as they reflect what many aspire to and seek to achieve.
As a developing nation, the UAE has also been keen on addressing issues affecting Emirati women since it has defined the role played by women as being integral to any development process. From the federation's early years, the government has consistently advanced policies that are conducive to women's welfare. It is evident today through the status of women in the country, as they have become actively engaged in building their communities at the grassroots level and through high-level positions.
But most important of all is to recognise that major issues are interlinked when it comes to the status of women as Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the UAE General Women's Union and Chairwoman of AWO, has rightly pointed out in her opening speech. This would include rights to receive education, healthcare, relief from poverty, and living in a healthy environment.
Human security issues are global and would hence require joint international effort, Shaikha Fatima said. This should be based on "the framework of openness and positive communication between civilisations which respects the specialty of each culture and one that looks at differences as a way of building bridges".
Although women's issues vary in their details between Arab countries, they do share many commonalities. An official blanket support would help to advance women's issues, but the greatest leap forward would come if society in its entirety joins the effort.
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