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Yemen/Machreq
Half a million Yemeni women were reported to have taken part on a popular demonstration the Sanaa', the capital of Yemen in solidarity with the Intifida and the people and women of Palestine. This massive and popular mobilisation of women has been welcomed by many as pioneer example for women movements and organisation in the region.
1500 women are reported to be employed by the Ministry of Interior in Yemen as well as in the Women's Unit of the police force. The employment of women in the police force has been instated since 1990 and has stirred much debate amongst opposers and those in favor.
Morocco/Maghreb
Islamists sources have indicated that the current Moroccan government have started implementing some sections in the National Plan for the Integration of Women in Development notwithstanding the opposition of Islamist opposers to the plan. Saadedine al Othmani, a leading member of Islamist party Al Adala wa'l Tanmyah accused the government of overriding the current committee put in place to discuss the plan by putting forward a number of law proposals for implementation.
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Tunisia/Maghreb
In an interview with Lebanese newspaper An Nahar (1/12/2000), Shazliah Bou
Khichna, second deputy to the Tunisia Speaker of the House and President of the National Union of Tunisian Women, reviewed the various legal reforms that have been put in place in favour of women notably in relation to citizenship laws, women's right to custody over their children, the creation of an alimony fund for divorced women, and equal opportunities in employment and promotions. Speaking of her country, Bou Kichna noted that the success of the Tunisian experience lies in the political commitment to equality and social reforms. She stated that political compromises often play against women and their advancement and this has heavily tinted the experience in the Arab region where women have often lost gains which had been secured at certain critical moments in history.
Whether or not the successful reform of the law is matched with efficient implementation mechanisms as well as a transformation in unequal relations of gender remains to be seen.
Kuwait/Gulf
The issue of women's right to vote and to political participation has again been taken to court in Kuwait this time by a male supporter following the failure of 4 previous case hearings to bring any positive change on the ground of technicalities. The new case has found its way to the higher judicial council within the constitutional court. The court has subsequent postponed its hearing to 16 January. The Kuwaiti man who reactivated the case was represented by two women lawyers who stipulated that the earlier refusal to register women in the electoral rooster is unconstitutional as the country's constitution is unequivocal in the matter of equality of all citizens. To be reminded that the Majliss al Umma had previously rejected a proposal put forward by the Emir of Kuwait for the granting of political rights to women. A new law proposal has now been put forward to that effect with high hopes for positive results to be achieved in time for the forthcoming parliamentary and municipal elections of 2002.
Meanwhile, a known supporter of women's political rights, businessman has just been elected to Kuwait's assembly. His election which has apparently come as a surprise, is likely to improve chances for an upcoming vote on the bill granting women the right to vote and to be represented in political life in that country.
Iran/Gulf
Hundreds of Iranian women joined in a demonstration in front of the UN offices in Teheran in solidarity with the Intifada and the Palestinian peoples. Women draped their head with the traditional Palestinian Kuffiah and condemned the violence targeting civilian women and children in Palestine. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Council has rejected a law proposal approved by the Consultative Council and prohibiting the marriage of girls under the age of nine years. To be reminded that the Council had voted a law on the 29 of October declaring that boys under the age of 17 and girls under the age of 15 needed a judicial permission, rather than a mere parental approval to be married. This move stirred many criticisms whilst the Constitutional Council was seen to be insensitive to the dramatic implication of early and forced marriages on girls. The UNICEF representative in Teheran declared however that dialogue remains underway on this issue and a National Forum will be convened in late November with the presence of government officials to discuss the rights of the girl child in Iran.
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