Laws to Empower Women Urged

Bochra Hamida, lawyer and ex-chairperson of the Tunisian Association for Democrat Women, said, “The region we are living in is still undeveloped politically. Even in comparison with Africa, we can see the big difference, as there are no women’s parties and no equal quotas in the state institutions. In brief, the women-related issues are dismissed.

“These results are a feeling of frustration, oppression and a total rejection of all western values, notably the rights of women.”

Hamida called for a review of laws as they don’t have clauses that prohibit violence against women.

“The honour crimes that are still practised in some Arab countries attract reduced penalties, thanks to the existing laws. Therefore, a national plan must be made to fight violence and discrimination against the women.”

mary@khaleejtimes.com