Latest news with #ArabWomenOrganization
Morocco World
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Outlines Strategy Against Cyber Violence at Arab Women's Conference in Cairo
Rabat – Morocco's Minister of Solidarity, Naima Ben Yahya, shared her country's evolving response to digital violence against women during the opening session of the 10th General Conference of the Arab Women Organization in Cairo on Monday. With a focus on legal reforms, awareness efforts, and digital support tools, Ben Yahya noted Morocco's commitment to safeguarding women and girls in a digital age that continues to present new threats. The conference brought together policymakers, civil society leaders, and digital rights experts from across the Arab region. Morocco's delegation took an active role in the discussions, which explored challenges and practical solutions to online gender-based violence. In her remarks, Ben Yahya described Morocco's multi-layered approach, which includes strategic legislation, most notably, the 2018 law to combat violence against women. Although the law does not explicitly refer to cyber violence, it addresses the emotional and psychological harm caused by digital abuse. The minister also pointed to Morocco's data protection law as a crucial part of the legal framework. It safeguards citizens' personal information and helps curb misuse on digital platforms. But even with these protections in place, she acknowledged that the issue remains difficult to tackle. Another major obstacle, according to Ben Yahya, is a lack of legal knowledge among women. Many do not know how or where to report cyber violence. Others hesitate due to societal pressure or fear of stigma. In many cases, victims are made to feel responsible for what happened to them, which reflects a larger problem at hand. One rooted in persistent stereotypes and a culture that still tolerates certain forms of abuse. In partnership with civil society and government bodies, the Ministry of Solidarity launched national campaigns such as 'together for a responsible and safe digital space for women and girls.' Morocco has also developed online platforms that guide and support women who face all types of violence, including cyber abuse. These platforms connect users to legal and psychological assistance, offer educational material, and create space for anonymous reporting. Over the two-day conference, 26 experts from various Arab countries presented research and case studies, examined how AI affects women's digital safety , and discussed how legislation can better adapt to emerging forms of online harm and harassment. The Arab Women Organization also announced the 2025 edition of its Arab Girl and Technology Award and launched a new guide on how to prepare national reports for the regional CEDAW committee. The conference will close with a symbolic transition of leadership as the presidency of the Arab Women Organization passes from Egypt to Morocco, signaling the country's growing role in shaping the region's digital and gender justice agenda. And yet, despite the summits, the panels, the growing body of laws and strategies, many women cannot shake a sense of helplessness in the face of their treacherous everyday realities. In a world still shaped by male dominance, online and offline, words often feel weightless. Is this enough? Will the time for real, irreversible change ever arrive? As conversations grow louder, the need for tangible, material solutions becomes more urgent. Until then, many remain unconvinced that the promises made in conference halls will reach the corners where women continue to suffer in silence.
Egypt Independent
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
FM: President al-Sisi regards women as essential partners in national development
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's commitment to empowering women as essential partners in national development. This came during the opening session of the 10th General Conference of the Arab Women Organization, held under the patronage of President Sisi. The conference, convened under the theme of 'connectivity, empowerment, and protection for women and girls from cyber violence and technological and AI-related abuse, was attended by several high-level officials including Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy, Director-General of the Arab Women Organization Fadia Kiwan and Chairperson of the National Council for Women Amal Ammar. The top diplomat emphasized the importance of the Egypt-based Arab Women Organization as a platform for sharing successful experiences in promoting women's rights, paying tribute to Arab women, with special recognition of Egyptian women as well as Palestinian women enduring the ongoing aggression in Gaza. He stressed the urgency of protecting women and girls from cyber violence and AI-related abuse, advocating for joint Arab action to develop solutions and share best practices. He highlighted Egypt's legislative measures, including the Anti-Cybercrime Law and Telecommunications Regulation Law, as well as initiatives like tech hackathons and awareness campaigns launched in cooperation with social media platforms. The minister also reviewed Egypt's efforts to advance women's rights, noting the National Human Rights Strategy, the 2030 National Strategy for Women's Empowerment, increased female participation in the judiciary, and greater representation in parliament. The conference concluded with the honoring of Ambassador Mervat Tallawy, former Minister of Social Affairs and former Chair of the National Council for Women, who was awarded both the National Shield and the Arab Women Organization's Shield for her contributions to efforts to protect women's rights and empower them.
Daily News Egypt
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egyptian FM addresses Arab Women Organization Conference opening
Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, participated in the opening session of the 10th General Conference of the Arab Women Organization (AWO) on Monday. The conference is held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi with the theme 'Communication, Empowerment and Protection for Women and Girls from Cyber Violence and Violence Resulting from Technology and Artificial Intelligence.' The opening session was attended by Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity and President of the AWO's Supreme Council; Fadia Kiwan, Director General of the AWO; and Counsellor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women (NCW). During the event, Ambassador Mervat Tallawy, former Minister of Insurance and Social Affairs and former head of the NCW, was honoured, receiving shields from the NCW and the AWO. Minister Abdelatty delivered a speech during the opening session, emphasizing the priority President El-Sisi gives to the role of women as essential partners in societal development. He noted that the AWO, whose headquarters Egypt hosts, serves as an important platform for exchanging successful ideas and experiences in supporting and empowering women in all aspects of life. The Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of protecting women from cyber violence and violence stemming from technology and artificial intelligence. He stressed the necessity of finding the best methods to protect women and girls from cyber violence and its risks to ensure their safety in the digital society. Abdelatty emphasized the importance of joint Arab action in exploring opportunities and creating pathways for exchanging best practices to end this phenomenon. He referred to the introduction of legislation and initiatives in Egypt to maintain women's safety in cyberspace, including the 'Anti-Cybercrime Law' and the 'Telecommunications Regulation Law,' as well as the launch of the 'Technology Hackathon' and awareness campaigns in cooperation with social media platforms. The Foreign Minister also reviewed Egypt's experience in promoting women's rights, empowerment, and protection from all forms of violence. He pointed out that dedicating a pillar of the National Strategy for Human Rights to enhancing women's rights demonstrates the priority the Egyptian state, across all its institutions, gives to this issue. He also mentioned the launch of the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030, women's ascent to judicial positions, and the increased percentage of their representation in parliament. At the conclusion of his speech, Minister Abdelatty extended greetings to Egyptian and Arab women, with a special tribute to Palestinian women standing steadfast in defence of the Palestinian people's rights against Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip.
LBCI
12-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's first lady joins UN women's conference, meets UN chief
Lebanon's First Lady Nehmat Aoun attended the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York alongside Lebanon's U.N. envoy and other officials. Saudi Arabia chaired this year's conference. On the sidelines, Aoun met with Saudi, French, and Qatari officials to discuss family stability, women's empowerment, and gender equality. She also participated in an Arab Women Organization seminar. In a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Aoun conveyed President Joseph Aoun's appreciation for U.N. support and highlighted the challenges faced by Lebanese women, particularly during recent Israeli attacks.
