The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network, a network of 82 human rights organizations in the region, recently released a report titled Achieving Gender Equality: Change is Possible and Necessary. The document, available in English, French and Arabic, examines a variety of legal, political and social practices used to fight gender inequality in the region. The report gives examples of advancement from different countries in the region and provides recommendations on how to further advance the issue of gender equality based on current challenges. It identifies the key areas of discrimination against gender equality as family laws, penal and nationality laws, education and employment, political representation, and gender-based violence. The report also explores regional compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women.
Achieving Gender Equality emphasizes that change is both possible and necessary. It attempts to break down the stereotype that the region is built on conservative, unchangeable societies due to strict religious and cultural beliefs, and stesses the importance of women's agency to the progess seen thus far. The report makes recommendations on how to increase gender equality specific to the region and outlines a five-year plan on strengthening the role of women in society.
To view the full report click here.