Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Arab Parliament Highlights Women's Political Contributions for Inclusive Development


Mon 23 Oct 2023 | 05:24 PM
By Ahmad El-Assasy

In a powerful address delivered at the 36th Session of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, hosted in Luanda, Angola, the Arab Parliament emphasized the crucial role played by women's political empowerment in strengthening the democratic process and achieving inclusive development. The speech highlighted the significant contributions made by women in assuming high-ranking positions, including the presidency of governments in various countries worldwide.

The Arab Parliament expressed its commitment to prioritizing the strengthening of Arab women's political contributions, recognizing the presence of exemplary models showcasing the growing role of Arab women in the political sphere. It firmly asserted that women in Arab societies possess the capacity to excel if provided with the necessary qualifications and equal opportunities.

Central to the Arab Parliament's intervention was the call for a comprehensive review and update of the legislative systems in Arab states. Such an initiative would foster the promotion of women's participation in political life, thereby advancing gender equality. Furthermore, the speech emphasized the importance of raising awareness within communities about the significance of women's role in politics. Highlighting the accomplishments of women in occupying leadership positions within political institutions and executive organs in numerous Arab states, it underscored the urgent need to address societal norms and biases that hinder women from assuming leadership roles.

To combat gender-based prejudices and stereotypes, the Arab Parliament proposed several mechanisms, including the development of educational curricula that promote the concepts of citizenship and non-discrimination. The integration of these principles into education would encourage women's political participation. Additionally, the speech emphasized the pivotal role of civil society organizations in supporting women's political empowerment, calling for their enhanced involvement and support in this regard.

The Arab Parliament's address at the Forum of Women Parliamentarians shed light on the transformative potential of women's political contributions for achieving inclusive development and strengthening democratic processes. By recognizing the importance of qualifications, equal opportunities, legislative reforms, community awareness, and the role of civil society, the Arab Parliament demonstrated its commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the political sphere.