The Swedish Institute Alexandria (SwedAlex) in collaboration with Menoufiya University have organised the 5th training workshop “Women in Politics” in Cairo, as part of a long term capacity building project to support the right of women to participate in the political process. Female participants from the southern Egyptian regions of Qena, Luxor and Aswan, who represented political parties and civil society organisations joined this workshop.
One of the main points covered in the discussions was the democratic transition process, the prospects and challenges of this transformation, and the constitutional and legal framework for the parliamentary elections. Participants discussed the main economic, social and cultural obstacles facing women participation in the political process in Egypt, and the role of political parties to support women participation.
Since the main focus of this workshop was the upcoming parliamentary elections, discussions included the mechanism of the elective process, the role of women in monitoring the elections and their role as potential candidates in successful campaigning and targeting voters.
Capacity building for judges and police officers in this field comes as a priority at a time when all government concerned organisations are trying their best to attend to this challenge. Swedish Institute Alexandria as a dialogue platform therefore extended its support through hosting this detailed technical training programme proposed through the Unit for legislations to combat Gender Based Violence. Organisers look forward to deliver this technical training to all governorates of Egypt in future events.
Watani International
7 March 2015