The unanimous reactions to Mrs. Leila Ben Ali's opening address to AWO's third Congress, all point to one significant issue, namely the importance of proposing practical measures to further empower Arab women. In her address, Tunisia's First lady and AWO's Chairwoman, formulated a number of proposals destined to help Arab women bridge the gap between civil and political rights, but also between social and economic rights. Among the proposals she made is the holding of a forum of women artisans with a view to open up wider prospects of integration into economic life. The other is the setting up of prize for studies and research for environmental issues conducted by Arab women, as well as a prize distinguishing the best women's environmental association. Hailing Mrs. Ben Ali's address, one of the participants to the Congress said that ‘‘this is exactly what we expect the Congress to come up with: practical decisions likely to help Arab women achieve gender equality''. In its diversity and scope, today's program illustrates the daunting nature of the challenges facing Arab women. Four work sessions will thrash out the various , but nevertheless interconnected issues of women and the environmental dimension of sustainable development, the health dimension of sustainable development, its social dimension and finally its political and civic dimension. No doubt, the recommendations stemming from these four sessions will help the First Ladies and their representatives formulate cogent, practical decisions that will further empower Arab women, by providing them with the necessary means to address discrimination and prejudice which is often the result of economic precariousness, illiteracy, violence and lack of awareness of their rights. A small step for man, a great leap for women, AWO's third Congress has already attracted considerable media attention. In a more discrete manner millions of Arab women are also awaiting the decisions that will come out of this major gathering.
