"Women for Transformation in the Arab World"
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
The Hague, 14th February 2011
Exit Mubarak 2005-2011
“Women for Transformation in the Arab World”
Special meeting at European Parliament to be held on Wednesday, 16 February 2011 in Strasbourg Co-organized by Gender Concerns International When in 2005 Gender Concerns International launched its campaign to support the first female Egyptian presidential candidate Dr. Nawal Sadaawi, she told the press gathered at the Nieuws Poort in the Hague that her candidacy would lead to Exit Mubarak however long it might take. In early February this year, TV coverage showed Sadaawi on the streets of Cairo telling young men to avoid confrontation, confirming that this is a revolution and that Mubarak will have to go.
It is not only in the recent uprising in Egypt and throughout the Middle East region that Arab women have joined pro-democracy movements. They have been raising their voices for many years. Dr. Nawal Sadaawi is delighted that whereas in 2005 Mubarak did not even allow her supporters to gather for public meetings, now in 2011 he was unable to send his opponents home from Tehrir Square and many other places throughout the country where large numbers of demonstrators gathered.
Gender Concerns International is determined to highlight the contribution of women to promoting democracy, and the impact of current events on the position of women. As part of this, a Public Hearing on “Women in Transformation” will be held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, February 16th 2011 in order to highlight the voices of women in Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen and beyond. Chaired by Dr. Franziska Brantner MEP and Ana Gomes MEP and co-organized by Gender Concerns International, the hearing will contribute to fostering dialogue and exchange between representatives of women’s organisations in the corresponding countries and European decision-makers. “Women for Transformation” Chaired by Dr. Franziska Brantner MEP and Ana Gomes MEP
Wednesday, February 16th 2011
15:00 – 16:00
European Parliament in Strasbourg, Room R 3.1
Co-organised by Gender Concerns International
By discussing the future role of women in the political process in Egypt, Tunisia and the wider region, the hearing on February 16th aims to demonstrate possibilities for the European Union to support women’s organisations, ensuring their voices are heard throughout the world. Gender Concerns International, after engaging in consultation with women’s representatives from the region, will continue working with Arab women leaders to draw attention to the urgent need to ensure and guarantee effective female political participation and gender equality within the post-transitional democratization period.
For further information please contact:
Philipp Schulz
Gender Concerns International
Phone: 00 31 (070) 4445082 Mobile: 0653965784
Laan van Meerdervoort 70 2517 AN, The Hague
Email: philipp@genderconcerns.org Site: http://www.genderconcerns.org
