In preparation for the Women Deliver 2023 Global Conference in Rwanda, the Arab Institute for Women (AiW), as the regional convener for Women Deliver, hosted five panel discussions between May and July 2023. Supported by Women Deliver, these panels formed part of the Arab States Women Deliver Regional Convenings and addressed critical themes related to gender in the Arab region. The events took place on May 17 and 23, June 19 and 26, and July 5, bringing together global leaders, academics, and activists to explore topics including:

      1.   Legal Realities of Gender Equality in the MENA Region

      2.   Intersectional and Survivor-Based Approaches to Violence Against Women and Girls 

            (VAWG)

      3.   Gender Equality Activism: Youth Leaders from Around the Region

      4.   Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for Marginalized Groups

      5.   Recognizing, Reducing, and Redistributing Unpaid Care Work

Each discussion provided a platform for thought leadership and collaborative dialogue to tackle some of the most pressing issues impacting women and girls in the Arab world.

Panel Summaries

Panel 1: Legal Realities of Gender Equality in the MENA Region (May 17)

Participants included Ms. Alanoud Al-Sharekh (Ibtkar Strategic Consultancy), Ms. Diana Moukalled (journalist and documentary producer), Ms. Manal Benkirane (UN Women), and Ms. Zoya Rouhana (KAFA).

The panelists highlighted the uneven progress in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) across the region, noting that while some legal reforms criminalize GBV, many remain incomplete. Women and girls continue to face significant barriers to justice, with protections varying by country. To address these gaps, the panelists recommended:

   •       Establishing multi-stakeholder movements to lobby for equitable gender laws.

   •       Increasing women’s participation across political and non-political sectors.

They also stressed the need for a cultural shift toward recognizing and upholding women’s rights and equality.

 

Panel 2: Intersectional and Survivor-Based Approaches to VAWG (May 23)

Panelists included Dr. Aziza Khalidi (activist and public health professional), Dr. Arwa Hany (IFMSA Eastern Mediterranean Regional Director), Dr. Grace Khawam (disability rights activist), Dr. Hala Sakr (medical doctor), and Ms. Anna Rita Ronzoni (gender expert).

This panel focused on the intersection of disability, GBV, and SRHR in Arab countries. Panelists highlighted how stigmatization, inadequate care structures, and a lack of research exacerbate the discrimination faced by women and girls with disabilities. They recommended:

   •       Promoting intersectional gendered approaches to disability care.

   •       Conducting more research on GBV and SRHR among persons with disabilities (PWD).

   •       Encouraging cross-sectoral programming to address these issues holistically.

Panel 3: Gender Equality Activism—Youth Leaders (June 19)

Participants included Ms. Weema Askri (queer activist), Ms. Zahraa Dirany (feminist journalist), Ms. Melissa Feghali (coding trainer), Mr. Amr Mohamed (climate advocate), and Ms. Sara El-Outa (civil activist).

This discussion centered on creating safe spaces for youth to engage in gender-related dialogues. Panelists emphasized the need for inclusive platforms where youth can exchange ideas, challenge stereotypes, and foster networks. They proposed:

   •       Establishing community spaces that promote awareness of gender issues.

   •       Supporting youth-driven initiatives to disseminate information and challenge norms.

 

Panel 4: Barriers to SRHR for Marginalized Groups (June 26)

Panelists included Ms. Afdokia El Khoury (Plan International Lebanon), Ms. Sara Abou Zaki (MARSA), Ms. Maha Al-Assaad (Plan International Jordan), Ms. Germaine Haddad (UNFPA Egypt), and Ms. Stephanie Hawari (Plan International Lebanon).

The discussion highlighted the cultural taboos and systemic barriers to SRHR access in the Arab region, especially for marginalized groups like unmarried and divorced women. Panelists recommended:

   •       Institutionalizing sex education in schools.

   •       Digitizing SRHR information for easier youth access.

   •       Building healthcare providers’ capacities.

   •       Adopting collaborative, cross-sectoral approaches to address SRHR challenges.

 

Panel 5: Recognizing, Reducing, and Redistributing Unpaid Care Work (July 5)

Participants included Ms. Nivedita Monga (IRC Jordan), Mr. Majd Abeltaji (IRC), Ms. Jonna Maria Lundvall (World Bank), Mr. Ghassan Issa (ANECD/ARC), Dr. Sawsan Abdulrahim (AUB), and Ms. Zeina Mezher (ILO).

Panelists discussed the undervaluation of care work in the region, emphasizing its disproportionate burden on women. They identified the lack of state support and regulatory frameworks as major challenges and recommended:

   •       Providing state-subsidized, high-quality care services.

   •       Implementing policies to support care workers and address growing care needs.

These five panels provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for advancing gender equality in the Arab region. By convening diverse voices and perspectives, the discussions laid a strong foundation for continued dialogue at the Women Deliver 2023 Global Conference in Rwanda.