27 October 2021 – PAM Participated in an online meeting organised by the Arab Parliament in the framework of the Applied Diploma to empower Arab women parliamentarians. This high- level discussion on the challenges faced by women and women politicians has been attended by Arab parliamentarians from the Arab world including from the Gulf countries. It is the second time this Fall that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean contributes to these lectures organised by the Arab Parliament to empower women parliamentarians. PAM was represented at this meeting by Hon. Katica Glamuzina (Croatia) and Hon. Yana Chiara Ehm (Italy).
During this Discussion, issues such as measures to ensure equal representation in parliament but also measures to challenge the gender pay gap at the legislative level and the enforcement level were discussed along with the need to update legislations. These legislations need to be upheld. Women Empowerment is key and the role of Ministries for Equal opportunities, the Ombudsman for gender equality (such as in Croatia), but also of civil society are important in that regard. There is a need for a shift in consciousness so that women are treated equally and are full contributors to society.
Stereotypes about the rights of Arab women need to be challenged. Young girls everywhere need to have access to fundamental education and need to know and be reassured on the fact that they can pursue their dreams. Public speaking, networking, patience and languages are important skills to acquire, explained both PAM representatives. Moreover, “Women are at the forefront of fighting Climate change” added Hon. Yana Chiara Ehm, and Hon Katica Glamuzina continued by inviting the participants to read more about “ecofeminism”.
PAM representatives outlined the strong commitment of the Assembly to work towards gender equality and fighting discrimination. They also shared that PAM had, this year, awarded a special prize to those governments and organizations that have been fighting domestic violence, in particular during the pandemic. They also announced the establishment of a PAM Women Parliamentary Forum, similar to the one established by the Arab Parliament that will be inaugurated in 2022