Conference to highlight women as key contributors to peace

Sharjah - The second edition of 'Investing in the Future' under the theme "Building the Resilience of Women and Girls in the Arab Region" will be held on October 19-20.

The second edition of 'Investing in the Future' (IIFMENA) conference will feature four high level plenary sessions and eight roundtable discussions focusing on women's rights, education and employment, among other important topics on October 19 and 20, under the theme "Building the Resilience of Women and Girls in the Arab Region".
As part of Sharjah's relentless efforts to support and empower women in the Arab region and worldwide, the two-day conference is being organised by The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a Sharjah-based international humanitarian body under the patronage of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Shaikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Big Heart Foundation, UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, and Chairperson of the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA); in collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).
Mariam al Hammadi, Director of 'Salam Ya Seghar,' an initiative by TBHF said: "We have handpicked selected topics that are vital to women's empowerment. Experts and specialists from around the world will discuss and debate these issues, to come up with a number of recommendations, which will contribute to advancing global efforts towards the empowerment of women.
"Gender equality in education is a fundamental human right. Educated women are far more productive economically, and thus contribute greatly to development. The weakest link lies in primary and secondary education for girls. Therefore, we must work together to revitalise and improve school curricula both qualitatively and quantitatively, in order to achieve gender equality, thereby realising women's economic and social empowerment in all domains," she added.
Citing research findings and studies focusing on how poverty further weakens women's social and economic participation, Al Hammadi remarked: "Based on this equation, we seek to emphasise that women's education and capacity building, as well as developing their professional skills will lead to reducing poverty and expanding their active participation in various fields."
Speaking about why the topic of women's engagement in peace and security decision-making, Mariam Al Hammadi explained: "Choosing the issue of women and their role in peacebuilding comes in line with the firm vision of Shaikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, who strongly believes in the pivotal role women have played towards securing global security and peacebuilding for centuries."
Alongside the four main panels, the conference will also organise eight roundtable discussions. These will cover wide-ranging topics and issues surrounding the questions shaping the future of women in the Mena region. Four of the roundtable discussions will be held on the first day of the event, these will include: 'Combating Violent Extremism', 'Human Trafficking', 'Innovation in Entrepreneurship', and 'Women's Rights in Islam'. On the second day, the roundtable discussions will feature sessions on: 'Youth's Role in Capacity Building', 'Girls' Education', 'Men and Boys as Actors of Change', and 'Women's Health'.
The Investing in the Future conference, which is being held in Sharjah for the second time, will bring together government officials, representatives of international organisations and non-governmental organisations, advocates of gender equality, academics, media personalities and experts to review the key issues that contribute to full empowerment of women for a safe and stable society.
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Sessions at the conference  
Day-1, October 19
> The Resilience of Women and Girls - Education and Employment: Experts will highlight the importance of achieving gender equality in education, as well as the pivotal role education plays in girls' access to their basic rights and in capitalising on their full potential.
Nurturing Minds: Investing in Women - Gender and Budget-responsive Policies: It will seek to highlight the importance of bridging the gender gap and its role in promoting sustainable growth, thus ending poverty.
Day-2, October 20
> Women and their Role in Peace-building: The session will demonstrate how women's participation in peacebuilding operations have strengthened peacekeeping, peacemaking and protection efforts for several years.
Strategic Partnerships for Economic Development: The debate will discuss the significance of making strategic partnerships a part of inclusive plans, policies and programmes aimed at empowering women and promoting their roles in the world.

• UAE
• Sharjah