15 August 2005
Around 30 people attended a debate last night, organised by Bahrain Women's Society on women's right to full citizenship.
"The Arab Women's Right to Nationality campaign is a nationwide and part of a regional programme launched by women's societies in Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Morocco and Algeria," the Director of Lebanon-based Research and Training Group and regional co-ordinator for women's nationalisation, Lena Abu Habib, said. Lena was invited by the society to take part in the debate.
"The society, in co-ordination with other civic societies, has launched the campaign to talk to decision-makers and women and highlight the issue through the media," she said. "The aim is to build solidarity and give hope to those in other countries faced with the problem."
Lena said that while such reforms were essential, it was more important to monitor their implementation. "It is all about having access to justice. Even when reforms are in place, an illiterate woman may not have the knowledge or resources to get justice while those from urban areas will be in a better position to know about it and go about claiming their rights."
The achievements in other countries in the region campaigning the issue were also discussed. "The issue of giving women their rights is not going to be settled overnight but when we see positive changes in one country, it sets a precedent and is seen as a victory for all. It gives us more coherence and strength." The debate also discussed the Moroccan women's experience as they were given the right this month although it has to be implemented.
Around 30 people attended a debate last night, organised by Bahrain Women's Society on women's right to full citizenship.
"The Arab Women's Right to Nationality campaign is a nationwide and part of a regional programme launched by women's societies in Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Morocco and Algeria," the Director of Lebanon-based Research and Training Group and regional co-ordinator for women's nationalisation, Lena Abu Habib, said. Lena was invited by the society to take part in the debate.
"The society, in co-ordination with other civic societies, has launched the campaign to talk to decision-makers and women and highlight the issue through the media," she said. "The aim is to build solidarity and give hope to those in other countries faced with the problem."
Lena said that while such reforms were essential, it was more important to monitor their implementation. "It is all about having access to justice. Even when reforms are in place, an illiterate woman may not have the knowledge or resources to get justice while those from urban areas will be in a better position to know about it and go about claiming their rights."
The achievements in other countries in the region campaigning the issue were also discussed. "The issue of giving women their rights is not going to be settled overnight but when we see positive changes in one country, it sets a precedent and is seen as a victory for all. It gives us more coherence and strength." The debate also discussed the Moroccan women's experience as they were given the right this month although it has to be implemented.
By Meena Menezes
© Bahrain Tribune 2005
