The Arab Women Organization has opened a regional workshop in Beirut examining how global shifts are affecting Arab women’s rights.
The workshop aims to develop a strategic vision that supports good governance and the development of public policy.
It is organized by the Arab Women Organization in cooperation with Lebanon’s National Commission for Lebanese Women, UN Women, and the Public Sector Governance Observatory at Saint Joseph University.
The event is being hosted at the François Bassil Campus for Social Sciences in Achrafieh from October 6 to 8, with participation from representatives of Arab and international institutions, diplomats, media figures and experts.
During the opening session, the Observatory’s director, Pascal Monin, emphasized the importance of linking academic research to decision-making.
The Arab Women Organization’s Director General, Fadia Kiwan, stressed the need to protect women from the repercussions of war and to integrate their rights into development plans.
For his part, UN Women representative Rodrigo Montero called for strengthening the presence of women leaders in decision-making positions.
Amal Ammar likewise underscored the importance of Arab cooperation, while Natalie Zaarour emphasized the need to translate national strategies into actionable measures.
Across seven sessions, the workshop is addressing geopolitical and economic shifts, the challenges of implementing international agreements, the care economy, climate change and food security.
It is also discussing the need to unify concepts related to women’s rights in order to facilitate the drafting of national policies.
At the close of its proceedings, the workshop aims to produce a policy paper containing practical recommendations for decision-makers.
It also provides an opportunity to exchange experiences in social protection and women’s empowerment, and to expand cooperation among institutions, academics and experts in support of Arab women’s rights.
