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Need for Equality of Women Stressed

ABU DHABI - The cultural and religious traditions of Arab countries should be considered when demanding that these countries join international agreements concerning equality for women, Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, member of the Federal National Council (FNC), said during the Conference of Women Parliamentarians held in Geneva recently.

Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, who headed a meeting of Arab women parliamentarians held on the sidelines of the conference, said international agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), contain some articles that cannot be adopted by Islamic cultures because they are in conflict with Islamic laws, such as the law of inheritance.

It is not fair to evaluate the progress of women empowerment in Muslim countries by looking only at whether they have joined international agreements, overlooking other major developments on the social, economic, and political fronts, she said.

She cited the UAE’s serious efforts to combat human trafficking as an example of the steps taken in her country to ensure the protection of women’s rights, and said international agreements must include exceptions for Muslim countries which have reservations regarding articles that are contrary to the Shariah.

asmahamid@khaleejtimes.com