There are 13 member states in the regional division of Western Asia. These include Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. For this group of nations, resolutions and progress towards full implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action breaks down along country specific lines much more than along regional lines. The group’s most recent meeting was in late November in Beirut, Lebanon.

The November was co-directed by the Center of Arab Women for Research and Training and the Economic Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The group updated their report on a study reviewing the principles of progress and equality stated at the Nairobi women’s conference. The group is currently compiling gender-specific data to assist in the regional progress of governments attempting to implement the Platform for Action. Additionally, a regional database on policies related to the advancement of Arab women was launched. The database currently covers Jordan and Lebanon. Data collected through the database will accompany regional information gleaned from a population database for the region. Upon reviewing this information, the group will make recommendations for new policy initiatives in the region that are gender sensitive.

Stay tuned to WomensWire for more updates on the work of activists and officials from this region.