Jordan Times
Wednesday, March 3, 2004
Queen Rania to attend Beirut forum
AMMAN (JT) — Under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania, president of the second Arab Women's Summit (2002-2004) the proceedings of “Women and Armed Conflict Resolutions” forum will be launched on March 8 in Beirut, Lebanon.Participants at the forum, which will include Arab first ladies among others, will discuss legislation pertaining to women in conflict situations as well as psychological, social, economic and political circumstances during conflicts. It will also focus on the role of the Arab woman and ways to empower her participation to build a culture of justice and peace.
The forum will also tackle family issues and women's role in furthering education and ways to combat consequences resulting from armed conflict on both women and youth. The forum will also showcase legislation and international agreements on human rights specially those affecting victims of armed conflicts.
Later on the same day, Queen Rania will head the first meeting of the Higher Council of the Arab Women's Organisation (AWO) with the participation of Arab first ladies of countries who ratified the establishment of the organisation. These include the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Syria, Sudan, Oman, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Yemen and Jordan.
The meeting is scheduled to discuss the internal organisational structure as well as ratify envisaged plans, projects and the budget of the AWO, which was established in March 2003 in Amman.
The AWO is the outcome of fruitful efforts of the Arab Women's Summit and aims to ensure greater Arab women's cooperation and integration as well as furthering inter-Arab cooperation and synchronising the Arab stance on both regional and international arenas.