In her closing address to the Arab Women Organisation's Third Congress which was held in Tunis on October 28 to 30, 2010, Mrs. Leila Ben Ali, AWO's Chairwoman, said that “improving Arab women's conditions will remain a joint day to day achievement”. Expressing her pride that AWO is entering its second decade of existence, Tunisia's First Lady encouraged Arab women to show “further courage and personal interpretative effort” in joining active life. “Arab women have demonstrated their worthiness of full trust and encouragement in all the roles assigned to them” she added, expressing her commitment that AWO will make the most of the recommendations made during the Congress, by incorporating them into work programs, as well as following up on recommendations adopted by previous congresses. “Our aim is that everyone of us would contribute to advancing our societies towards further justice, equality and partnership”, said Mrs. Leila Ben Ali whose words were met with a warm applause from all those attending. Judging from the far-reaching recommendations put forth by AWO's third Congress, change is already underway for Arab women, even the implementation phase will always remain the crucial, determining factor. AWO's Third Congress has not only met all the expectations placed on it, it has also paved the way for a more energetic joint Arab action to promote Arab women. In that sense, Tunisia's presidency of the AWO will have been a momentous moment, inspired by Mrs. Ben Ali's drive to further empower Arab women. In its realistic and pragmatic commitment to change and reform, the congress will make history. How could it be otherwise in the land of dialogue and consensus, modernity and tolerance, that is Tunisia.
