Details

In the light of the revolutionary movements in many North African countries which started in early 2011 important transformation processes have been set in motion in the region. NATO in cooperation with the Multinational Dialogue on Development Policy of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung decided to initiate a conference on the transitions in North Africa and implementation of UNSCR 1325 on women, peace and security in order to raise the awareness of both the special needs of women as well as their potential. The aim of the conference was to discuss the added value and effectiveness of an increased participation of women both during armed conflicts and in the political side of transformation processes. The event in the context of the 1st anniversary of the Arab Spring connected active women’s rights activists from Tunisia, Libya, Jordan and Morocco with stakeholders which deal with different aspects of Security Sector Reform processes. Role models in the region such as Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Tawakkol Karman from Yemen and peace activist, Hibaaq Osman from Somalia, who both participated actively in the conference and briefed NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on the situation in the region, advocated for an increased inclusion of women in the decision-making processes.

Further interviews were conducted with Ms. Maysson Amer Tughar , Human Rights Activist, Libya, Mrs Salma Khaled Slama, Tunisia (in French) as well as Mrs. Oumama Ech-Cherif El Kettani, Morocco (in French).