GENEVA: Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council HE Dr Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti has underlined the pivotal role of women in the development and progress of societies, and their contribution to achieving sustainable development.
In remarks during her participation in the first meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the 15th Conference of Women Parliamentarians, held on the margin of the preparatory meetings for the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at its headquarters in Geneva, she said that the role of women in development stems from their family and educational responsibilities, alongside their diverse other responsibilities and their active presence and significant productivity, not only in the political sphere but in all fields of work. She pointed out that Islam emphasizes the essential role of women in society, giving them significant attention, granting them all rights, and entrusting them with life's responsibilities alongside their male partners.
She explained that Islam did not overlook directing society to treat women well and recommended kindness towards them. She expressed her regret over the violence, oppression, and violations of women's rights, especially during wars and conflicts.
In this context, Dr Al Sulaiti condemned the excessive and lethal force used by Israeli occupation authorities against Palestinian women, which has intensified with the brutal war against Gaza and other Palestinian territories since October 7, witnessed by the world. She stressed the need to support women, empower them, and ensure the representation of all societal groups in parliaments.
She also highlighted the importance of showcasing outstanding experiences regarding the empowerment and excellence of women in all fields and their popular participation, noting the increasing percentage of girls in education, which exceeds that of young men, and the importance of women's presence in the upcoming edition of the Women Parliamentarians Conference, making it a distinctive milestone compared to previous editions of the conference.
The participants discussed practical preparations and arrangements for organizing the 15th Conference of Women Parliamentarians, scheduled for July next year, prior to the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, set to take place from July 29 to 31, 2025, in Geneva.
The meeting also reviewed a report on previous conferences of women parliamentarians, evaluating the outcomes and goals achieved, and discussing the expected objectives and outcomes of the 15th edition of the conference.
Additionally, the participants exchanged views on topics to focus on during this conference and explored the best ways to ensure women have the same opportunities available to their male counterparts in the work and outcomes of the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.The number of women parliamentarians is continuously increasing in world parliaments, currently reaching over 27 percent, and they head 64 parliaments in various countries around the world.
In a related context, the deputy speaker of the Shura Council, participated as a representative of the Arab group in the preparatory meetings for the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament. In her speech, she highlighted the need to include important issues in the conference's general sessions and discussion panels and to present scientific papers by researchers, ensuring practical and applicable recommendations are achieved.
On the sidelines of her participation in the preparatory meetings for the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, the deputy speaker of the Shura Council, met with President of the IPU Dr Tulia Ackson, Secretary General of the IPU Martin Chungong, and Chairman of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji, where they reviewed parliamentary cooperation relations and ways to enhance and develop them.