Human security to lead debate at women's event

Abu Dhabi: Human security is the main topic to be discussed by specialists and participants in the second Arab Women's conference in Abu Dhabi next Tuesday, said an official.

The two-day event will be held under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE General Women's Union and President of the Arab Woman's Organisation.

"The concept of human security is a new concept regarding women and was submitted by the United Nations in the nineties and it is concerned about everything related to humans' life and dignity," Dr Wadoda Badran, General manager of the Arab Woman's Organisation, said.

The conference will highlight the concept of Arab women's life and their role in cultural, political, social and economic fields as well as the impact on women in war zones, according to Dr Wadoda.

Media strategy

"Through the roundtables and discussions we are aiming to put a framework for a strategy that strengthens Arab women's position in every field," she said.

Shaikha Fatima will be launching the Arab woman's media strategy which earlier put its out line to the woman's media conference held in Abu Dhabi in February 2002.

"The conference at that time recommended to have a general women's media strategy that made stringent the awareness of women's needs and qualifying women to work in media, putting in mind the Arab cultural aspect and correct figure of Arab women in the media," Dr Wadoda said.

Shaikha Fatima took the initiative and appointed an expert committee to form the outline for the strategy which will be discussed in a workshop also.

"Member countries in the Arab Woman's Organisation are expected to fallow the strategy to support women in their country," she said.

The conference will bring together high-profile delegates and key speakers, including first ladies, female ministers, parliamentarians and business leaders.

Main topics on the agenda include an explanation of the new concept of human security and whether it is suitable for women or not, female security from the cultural aspect, globalisation of economies and its role in strengthening female economic security, and female security in health and environment.

The conference will also discuss the results of a survey on Arab university students' opinions regarding the topic of women's issues and human security.