"The Director General of the Arab Women Organization opens:

"The Regional Dialogue to Discuss the Guiding Manual: 'Towards Consent-Based Justice: A Roadmap for Reforming Rape Legislation in Arab States'"

7/7/2026

Prof. Dr. Fadia Kiwan, Director General of the Arab Women Organization (AWO), inaugurated the regional dialogue to discuss the guiding manual titled "Towards Consent-Based Justice: A Roadmap for Reforming Rape Legislation in Arab States."

In her opening address, Dr. Kiwan expressed her pride in participating in this meeting organized by Equality Now, praising the organization's fruitful efforts that resulted in publishing a scientific guide designed to support legislative development and strengthen the protection of women and girls in Arab countries.

She emphasized that genuine protection is not achieved merely by enacting laws, but rather requires robust enforcement mechanisms, continuous training for relevant authorities, raising public awareness, and working to instill a culture that firmly rejects all forms of violence against women.

Dr. Kiwan added that the AWO will work to convey the workshop's outcomes to Arab governments and national women's mechanisms, following up on recommendations in coordination with partners to support legislative reform and strengthen the protection system for women and girls across the Arab region.