Setbacks in women’s empowerment because of the Arab spring

Women leaders play an important role in Lebanon and the Arab world, but experts at “Women Leaders as Agents of Change: The Role of Women in the Changes Taking Place in the MENA Region” conference which kicked off on Monday July 27th warned that regional turmoil has interrupted the push for greater political participation and stymied efforts to improve women’s situation. The Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World at the Lebanese American University organized the event in partnership with the Middle East Partnership Initiative of the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. State Department. The conference, which will run through July 30, brings together scholars, researchers and activists from different countries and areas of expertise to share their research and experiences. The conference is tackling a number of issues, including legal, political, and cultural reforms stemming from the Arab uprisings, according to the agenda presented by the organizers. Conferees will also investigate various measures to protect women’s rights and improve their situation. Tuesday’s panel discussions were entitled: “Human Rights Concerns and Violations in the Arab Region,” “Women’s Political Participation & Activism During and After the Arab Uprisings/Revolutions,” and “Changes Impacting Women in the Arab Region.” A variety of other panel discussions are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. (The Daily Star, 28 July 2015)