Policy Paper: Toward an Enhanced Participation of Women in Decision-Making Positions in the Arab World

This policy paper was prepared by Karama, an initiative of women leaders from nine countries of the Middle East and North Africa committed to ending violence gainst women and girls, for the 53rd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), held in New York, March 2-13, 2009. At this Session, the Commission evaluates progress made by governments on the implementation of the agreed conclusions "Equal participation of women and men in decision-making processes at all levels" adopted at the 50th Session of CSW.

This paper aims to:

• Provide recommendations to governments, the international community, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to accelerate women’s equal participation with men at all levels of decision-making;

• Highlight the current situation of Arab women in decision-making positions in Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia, Sudan and Morocco, looking specifically at their presence in executive, legislative and judicial branches, as well as in political parties and civil society organizations;

• Analyze the influence of Arab women on decision-making processes;

• Underscore the reasons behind the low representation of women in decision-making positions, such as gender-based violence; and

• Assess the significant legal, political, social, cultural and economic impediments which hinder women's access to decision-making positions.