ESCWA Regional Advisor on Women Aida Abu Ras took part in a two-day workshop dedicated to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) held in Kuwait. The workshop was jointly organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Kuwait Society for Human Rights. Representatives from public authorities and non-governmental organizations participated in the workshop where they discussed the content goals and articles of CEDAW.

Abu Ras said told participants that CEDAW consists of 30 paragraphs, which all concentrate on eliminating all forms of discrimination against women, and all these articles are mandatory for the 189 states that signed it. “Also, these states have to present their national reports each four years. These reports should mention the achievements made to eliminate discrimination against women, in addition to mentioning the legislations passed to execute this convention,” she added.

Some women abet discrimination by their ignorance of their rights, “Kuwaiti women have succeeded in garnering any achievements in all fields, especially education and political rights. Four members reached the Parliament without the quota system. This is expressed in the form of women’s awareness and knowledge of their rights in Kuwait,” Abu Ras stated.