In collaboration with University of Graz (UniGraz), IUG Women Center held the fifth international scientific meeting Via Skype, entitled “Gender Issues in Social Participation of Refugees: Experiences from the Gaza Strip”. This meeting was organized within the framework of APPEAR funded project, entitled “Strengthening Higher Education Capacities in Palestine for Gender Equality – (SHE_GE).
The meeting was led by Prof. Godren Criemer, Director of Austria Studies Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution, in the presence of Graz professors and students, SHE-GE team and WSC team.
This meeting is the last of a series of scientific meetings held with Graz University, it’s included in the project of ” Strengthening Higher Education Capacities in Palestine for Gender Equality”.
Prof. Creimer said that building a society capable of meeting the basic needs of all its members would not be achieved unless all different segments of society show an active participation and engagement in the society’s decisions.
During her lecture, Prof. Creimer focused on the basic needs of human being in any descent society: survival, well-being, identity, and freedom. She addressed in details the concept of self-determination as a fundamental need of the human person especially women and young people, children, and elderly as well. She emphasized on the society’s members’ desire to make decisions for themselves and contribute in the formation of their societies.
Prof. Creimer, concluded her lecture with some examples on restricted legal provisions that limit the personal, social and cultural participation of women in Gaza. For instance, focusing on the Personal Status Law where men can decide on their marriage partner, women require the permission of a male guardian and many other examples that opened the discussion among the participants.
