Saudi Arabia Advocates for Gender Equality at Global Women’s Conference
Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Alwasil emphasized the need for actionable measures towards gender equality during the 69th Commission on the Status of Women. He highlighted ongoing risks to progress and urged the dismantling of barriers preventing women’s leadership. Young advocate Jenna Riffi shared her inspiring story, showcasing the impact of Saudi Vision 2030 on women’s empowerment. The commission will tackle various critical topics over the coming weeks.
The Deputy Minister of Saudi Arabia recently welcomed the French ambassador in Riyadh, coinciding with Abdulaziz Alwasil’s speech at a significant conference on women’s status in New York. He urged nations to leverage this opportunity to turn their decades-long commitments to gender equality into actionable measures. Alwasil highlighted the risks posed by climate change, conflict, and economic instability which threaten to reverse progress in gender equality, calling for unwavering political will and inclusive leadership.
At the opening of the 69th Commission on the Status of Women, Alwasil emphasized the importance of reflecting on gains since the historic 1995 Beijing Declaration, which set ambitious goals for women’s rights. He stated that despite notable advancements—such as increased female representation in leadership and improved access to education—significant challenges persist. He reaffirmed that the promise of equality needs renewed urgency and active steps toward policy implementation.
Alwasil declared a need to dismantle systemic barriers hindering women’s access to leadership opportunities. He encouraged turning commitments into concrete actions, advocating for gender equality to be central in all policies with appropriate funding. His plea was not only to celebrate achievements but to also address existing gaps in sexual equality.
During his address, Alwasil provided space for three women to share inspiring stories, including Jenna Riffi, a young Saudi pioneer in STEM at just 16. Riffi, a member of the NEOM project, shared how her family’s support and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives enabled her career in engineering. She asserted the importance of fostering an environment where young women can achieve their ambitions, emphasizing that progress offers a foundation for future generations.
The commission will gather for two weeks, focusing on crucial issues like poverty, work opportunities, climate change, violence against women, and youth engagement.
In conclusion, the 69th Commission on the Status of Women serves as a vital platform for addressing gender equality and the empowerment of women worldwide. With leaders like Abdulaziz Alwasil urging concrete actions and shared narratives from inspiring women like Jenna Riffi, it is clear that ongoing commitment and investment are essential. The conference aims to translate long-standing commitments into measurable progress for future generations, recognizing the need to confront persistent challenges while celebrating achievements.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
Post Comment