Abu Dhabi, Jan. 18, 2009 (WAM) Mr. Anders B. Johnsson, Secretary General of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) has praised the Arab Women’s Media Strategy launched by H.H. Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the Arab Women’s Organisation (AWO) and President of the Family Development Foundation, during the 2nd AWO conference held here in Abu Dhabi last November.
In a letter of appreciation to Shaikha Fatima, who is also the Chairperson of the General Women’s Union, Mr. Johnsson expressed delight on the contributions made by the Arab Women’s Media Strategy during the 3rd Regional conference of Women Parliamentarians and Women in Political Decision-making Positions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, which took place in the Sultanate of Oman on December 21 and 22, 2008.
“On their return to Geneva, my colleagues briefed me on the conclusions of the conference. Your presentation on the Arab Women’s Media Strategy succeeded beyond any doubt in highlighting the many projects which are foreseen to take place in the region to empower women through media. The participants were very interested to hear about this initiative of the Arab Women’s Organisation, as reflected in their many questions and suggestions,” Johnsson said in the letter.
About Arab Women Media Strategy
Arab Women Media Strategy was launched in ABu Dhabi on November 11, 2008 by HH Shaikha Fatima with the aims of supporting the media role in reflecting women’s issues and achievements and in objectively promoting their rights for equal social opportunities.
It also seeks to build a positive public concept about Arab women and the roles they play in their respective communities.
The strategy document was drafted by a team of Arab experts in the fields of media and education. Its initial framework is scheduled for implementation between 2010 -2015.
The implementation framework will cover seven key areas, namely; policies, economy, society, culture, education, sports, health and environment.
The Media Strategy for Arab Women aims at changing the community culture prevailing in the Arab region which embraces a stereotypical image of women and their roles in society. The media strategy for Arab women targets the messages included in all types of media in addition to male and female media specialists working at all levels.