FNC participates in IPU women parliamentarians

GENEVA, 26th October, 2016 (WAM) -- The Federal National Council, the legislative body of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is participating in the 24th session of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva from 23rd to 27th October. In a speech at the forum, Federal National Council (FNC) member Afra Al Basti highlighted the UAE's efforts to protect women during wars and conflicts. She also highlighted the active role of by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in protecting women and promoting their rights. At the forum, participants discussed the freedom of women to participate in political processes fully, safely and without interference, as well as efforts to build partnerships between men and women to achieve this objective. Another topic is ways of securing the rights and future of women and girls during war and conflict. A panel discussion was held to discuss what parliamentary action can be taken to ensure that women and girls living under or fleeing from war and conflict can access health and education, and be protected from violence, harmful practices, trafficking and exploitation. The delegation was headed by Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council (FNC). – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395301779688.html