Women leaders discuss pressing issues at ASF 2006

Moderated by May Al Dabbagh, Fellow Researcher at the Dubai School of Government, the panel included the participation of Her Highness Sheikha Haya Al Khalifa, President of the UN General Assembly, United Nations; Her Excellency Mary Robinson, President of the Ethical Globalization Initiative and former President of Ireland, and Aicha Belarbi, founder of Morocco's Human Rights Association.

The panelists agreed that the realization of gender equality and empowerment of women would require fundamental changes in social mindsets. A suitable environment to ensure quality education is key to ensure a fair distribution of resources and equal opportunities to all.

H. H. Sheikha Haya said: "Although women are not always victims, they are most likely to be subject to poverty, injustice, and inequality due to the existing social, economic, and religious laws.

"Even if education provides women with the ability to make informed decisions, its success is highly dependent on several parameters. The level of economic development, characteristics of the labour market, and degree of gender stratification can all be negative factors that affect even highly educated women."

Belarbi explained the biggest challenge that women face in the 21st century is a struggle between the forces of progress and change and the forces of tradition and culture.

She said: "I believe every woman in this room can associate with the ongoing struggles we face when making decisions regarding our future. It is unfortunate that the empowerment of choice is related to progress, while tradition and culture dictate without flexibility. Meanwhile, we cannot dismiss the latter, it is what distinguishes us and our future generations."

Additional issues that were discussed at the ASF session included the need for health benefits, the importance of balanced distribution of roles in households, as well as the need to eliminate gender discrimination in the workplace.

Speaking from her own experience, H.E. Mary Robinson explained: "Women need to achieve a balance in life while maintaining a central focus on their family, work and leisure time."

Robinson also highlighted some of the obstacles that women face in reaching senior leadership positions.

"An increase in women's share of seats in national parliaments and local government would contribute to a more equal and fair representation. Women parliamentarians will also serve as a human rights' watchdog to combat violence against girls and women," said Robinson.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A session that included discussions on women leadership, women as peacemakers, and the empowerment of women to initiate meaningful change.