Report on women empowerment

The Euro-Mediterranean region is nowadays facing an intensification of tensions as well as complex and pressing crisis which threaten its stability and fragilise the “living together”. In view of this situation, the region needs to mobilise all its dynamic forces. Women in the region are still too absent in decision-making, too few in formal jobs, too often victims of violence, but yet, they constitute a major hope for the Mediterranean. Equality between men and women is a vector for democracy, peace and inclusive growth in a region that aspires to stability and prosperity. It is part of the solutions for building a Euro-Mediterranean region which is more stable and able to confronting its challenges. As a unique intergovernmental framework driven by the aim to advance the three urgent and connected regional priorities -stability, regional integration and inclusive human development-, the Union for the Mediterranean has put gender equality and women empowerment as one of its major priority. Investing in the contribution of women as a response to Mediterranean challenges, this is what the third high-level conference of the UfM “Women for the Mediterranean: Driving force for development and stability” will highlight. During two days, ministers, representatives international organizations, civil society, experts, all engaged at policy level or on the ground, will identify practical solutions for strengthening the vital role of women as agents of change. They will address issues such as: sustainable development, fostering employment, fight against extremism and radicalization as well as migration and mobility challenges.

Delphine Borione Senior Deputy Secretary General -Union for the Mediterranean

Program Manager: Fatiha Hassouni

Diplomatic Advisor: Meriem El Hilali

Professional Assistant: Julí Hernández

Coordinator: Hélène Bourdieu

Author: Union for the Mediterranean

October 2016