Details

PROGRAMME

The Arab Spring and the regime changes induced by this movement have opened up a multitude of new opportunities for the improvements of human rights in several countries of the Maghreb/Mashreq regions. After the first weeks characterized by demonstrations and rapidly evolving political changes, the challenge remains to develop institutions respecting democratic principles and the universality of human rights. Concerning women’s rights, important steps have to be taken in order to improve equal opportunities. Women have to be able to ensure their right for taking up gainful employment as well as their right to unconditional divorce. Honour killings, trafficking and forced prostitution still pose serious problems and keep women from taking an active part in the social and professional sphere. Gender mainstreaming is an issue which affects the great majority of women.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has been present in Jordan since 1982. Since 2010 KAS has increased support to gender mainstreaming and the promotion of equal opportunities and has been active in connecting women’s rights activists and think tanks on a regional level in order to strengthen their role and to build up capacities. As a part of these activities, a group of women’s rights activists from Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon will come to Brussels in order to exchange views with stakeholders from the EU Institutions as well as civil society organisations present in Brussels.

Presentations will be given by

Mona Alalami, Director, Jordanian Centre for Civic Education Studies (JCCES), Jordan

Suzan Aref, Director, Women Empowerment Organization, Iraq

Roula Mikhael, Director, Lebanese Centre for Civic Education and Maharat Centre, Lebanon

For more information, please contact elisabeth.sandfuchs@kas.de