MP Bahiya Hariri and Minister Shabtini support women’s participation in public life

MP Bahiya Hariri said that the women representation quota is a transitional phase that will facilitate women’s access to the Parliament after which they can be elected in their own right. Hariri was speaking during the First Regional Meeting of Women in Parliaments Global Forum (WIP) held in cooperation with the Lebanese Parliament under the theme: ‘Healthy Women, Healthy Economies’. Hariri underlined the importance of women in being able to prove their capacities as deputies of the nation and not only as deputies of women”. While revealing the many challenges that faced women in the local municipal councils for lack of support, Hariri hailed the relatively sound level of education among women (nearly 52%). “If this is the case, why don’t women seize their roles, not only in politics, but also in state jobs, the private sector and in society,” Hariri concluded. On the other hand, minister Alice Shabtini, cited the strong support to women shown by prime minister designate, Saad Hariri, who, she said, insists on taking on women ministers in the imminent cabinet. Shabtini was speaking yesterday at the First Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on Women’s Rights, under the title, ‘transition from ministerial outputs to development of policies on gender equality in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Shabtini pointed out in her intervention that “women in most countries still suffer from prevailing patriarchal mindsets, especially in Arab countries.” As an initial step, she advised, the United Nations and the European Union must move quickly to declare a state of emergency to implement development initiatives in poverty stricken regions, create jobs and earmark adequate support for women. (Al Mustaqbal, AL Diyar, November 29, 2016)