The second World Blind Women's Forum- Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

The second World Blind Women's Forum, organized by the World Blind Union (WBU), was held in Melbourne, Australia, from the 16th to the 18th of November 2000. Delegates from 94 countries, including Lebanon which was represented by the Youth Association for the Blind (YAB), flooded to the Melbourne forum. 

The Forum provided blind women with the opportunity of expressing their concerns, hopes and fears and conducting a thorough analysis of present realities and challenges they face as women with disabilities. In a number of countries, blind women are subject to sexual, mental and physical abuse, as some women spoke out. It was also pointed out that infanticides of blind baby girls is practiced in some countries, and that such a hideous act must discontinue. All assembled women unanimously demanded guarantees for their right to appropriate education, vocational training and rehabilitation, and just treatment.

The Forum assured that every effort would be exerted to eliminate unjust practices against women with disabilities and to promote and enforce true gender equality at all levels. The WBU reaffirmed its commitment to the issue of improving the living conditions of blind and visually impaired women, men and children through the development of effective means and strategies, emphasizing the importance of gender equality as it permeates the work of WBU. 

For further information, please contact:

Youth Association for the Blind (YAB)
Mr. Amer Makarem
Tel/Fax: +961-1-364259
E-mail: yab@cyberia.net.lb
Karakul Druze, Tadmor Street
Beirut-Lebanon