The Jordan Times
By Office Of HRH Princess Basma
 

AMMAN-In response to the critically heightened mistreatment of women in a region embroiled in conflict, a recently formed regional coalition of women MPs met on Thursday with HRH Princess Basma and discussed its aim to shape policies that address gender issues, particularly the violence and exploitation of women.

The Coalition of Women MPs from Arab Countries for Combating Violence against Women was formed out of a conference held in January in London with its supporters, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), an independent British public body that provides expertise in developing parliaments, political party structures and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

Thus far the coalition, which based its headquarters in Jordan, includes 11 Arab countries and is in the process of targeting the participation of other women MPs living in the MENA region.

During the meeting, Princess Basma accepted the coalition′s request to act as its honorary president noting that Arab women must play a pivotal role to counter acts of violence that women in the region are being subjected to.

She also expressed her hope that the coalition would provide a strong and effective partnership amongst women MPs in the region to propose gender-sensitive legislative reforms and make their voices heard, according to a statement released by her office on Saturday.

The coalition′s chairperson, Jordanian MP Wafa Bani Mustafa, announced that a conference will take place in Amman this November that will include the launch of an Arab Women′s Day against Violence.

The conference agenda will focus on issues related to women living in armed conflict or under occupation, the condition of women refugees, and legislative discrimination against women in violent domestic situations.

Bani Mustafa and other members of the coalition pointed out that gender issues and governments vary widely from one country to another, accordingly the coalition aims to target reforming laws that are of particular relevance to women in wider society in the region, according to a coalition statement.

During the meeting, Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW) Secretary General Salma Nims signed a declaration making the commission a permanent member of the coalition.

Nims stressed that this initiative comes at a very crucial time, as the developing sectarian nature in the region is threatening the achievements of decades of work for women.

The talks which brought together coalition members from Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, Egypt, Palestine, Djibouti and Bahrain as well as WFD representatives included a brief overview of the plight of women in their respective countries, according to the statement.

The coalition also includes members from Lebanon, Libya, Morocco and Algeria.

Iraqi MP Intissar Al Jbouri spoke about the conditions of women in different parts of her country, particularly the horrifying regression of women′s rights in Mosul where the so-called Islamic State has imposed harsh restrictions on women′s movement, dress code, marriage rights and freedom of speech.

I speak to you today on behalf of the fallen women of Iraq we went from freedoms and progress in a pre-war era to forceful and unspeakable practices that are targeting Muslims and people of other minority faiths; these atrocities have destroyed any semblance of a democracy or the peaceful nature of Islam, Jbouri said.

Representing Djibouti, MP Aicha Dabar Gulieh provided an assessment of legislation on domestic violence and rape in the East African country.

Palestinian MP Sahar Al Qawasmi stressed that it is crucial to map out the different forms of violence women face under blockades, at check points, and in prisons as a result of living under occupation in Gaza, noting that in any crisis, it is women and children who suffer first and most.

Speaking about her country, Tunisian MP Hasna Marsit said that despite the long record of women′s gains, we are still looking into constitutional reforms and legal amendments that can tackle the various forms of domestic discrimination that still prevail.

Responding to the testimonies of the Arab MPs, Princess Basma noted that in some areas, penal laws need to be stricter in order to serve as a true deterrent and match the gravity of some of the appalling crimes women in the Arab world are witnessing today.

Towards the reform and enactment of gender- specific laws, the coalition intends to spearhead its work through partnerships with CSOs in each respective country in order to be targeted and responsive to the needs on the ground, the lawmakers said.

The coalition will examine international treaties and conventions including all aspects pertaining to violence against women to produce a standard model of laws specific to the MENA region, Rami Samain, regional programme manager at the WFD said.