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13.12.2014 - UNESCO Office in Ramallah

UNESCO Ramallah Office Organizes a Conference on “The Role of Women in Peace-building and Reconstruction”

©UNESCO Opening remarks by UNESCO

Ramallah/Gaza, 9-10 December 2014. Within the framework of the activities of the Palestinian Women’s Research and Documentation Centre (PWRDC), funded by the Government of Norway, PWRDC-UNESCO Office in Ramallah organized a two day conference on “The Role of Women in Peacebuilding and Reconstruction” in cooperation with the Palestinian Ministry of Women’s Affairs in Ramallah and Gaza.

The conference was opened by H.E. Dr. Haifa Al-Agha, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Tor Erik Gjerde, Head of Cooperation at the Norwegian Representative Office, and Lodovico Folin Calabi, Head of UNESCO Ramallah Office a.i. The keynote address was given by Dr. Hanan Ashrawi on “The Palestinian Woman: Equality, Dignity and Self-Determination”.

The Conference was attended by more than 200 national and international experts and professionals working in the field of Gender-related studies, to discuss the issues of Gender in conflicts, peace-building and reconstruction and to strengthen research and policy network in this area across Palestine and at the international level.

H.E. Dr. Haifa Al-Agha, the Minister of Women’s Affairs highlighted the key role of women in the Palestinian society and called for women’s equal participation in social and political decision making. Women represent 49.5% of the Palestinian society, they have all abilities and potentials, by excluding them we are wasting huge energies to achieve exclusive development, it is necessary to encourage the role of women in development side by side with men” said H.E Dr. Haifa Al-Agha at the opening of the conference. “Many women participated and lead peace initiatives in different countries, their role was highly appreciated and inspired women everywhere the minister added

“The topic of the conference is particularly pertinent in the current context of Palestine, where ongoing conflicts have had major impacts on the lives of women, and on gender relations in Palestinian society”, said Lodovico Folin Calabi, Head of UNESCO Ramallah Office a.i.despite the horrific consequences of conflict for many women, it would be wrong to see women only as “victims” of conflict and to ignore their very important role in peacebuilding and reconstruction” he added.

“Norway is deeply committed to Women’s right and Gender Equality, and committed to peace building and reconstruction in Gaza” Said Tor Erik Gjerde, Head of Cooperation at the Norwegian Representative Office at the opening of conference.  He recognised “The importance of supporting PWRDC to play a crucial role in the Palestinian society and to have the power of inters linkages between government and civil society”.

The participants affirmed that Gender Equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for the creation of sustainable and peaceful societies and agreed that Gender Equality in Palestine needs to be further promoted, through innovative approaches and stronger public policies, gender-responsive decision-making processes and social practices.

At the conclusion of the Conference, the participants also agreed on a set of suggested recommendations to promote gender equality and to reinforce the participation of women in politics and decision making in Palestine.

For further information, please contact Majd Beltaji, Public Information Officer of the UNESCO Office in Ramallah at m.beltaji(at)unesco.org




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