Tuesday, April 17 – Wednesday, April 18

Experts & activists from across the Middle East/North Africa convene in Istanbul to discuss region’s democratic transitions

Check out this terrific line-up of speakers! You can also watch the Live Webcast here.

April 17th

3:00 – 3:30             Welcome and Introductions

3:30 – 6:00            Opening Plenary Session

Introductory remarks/chair: Thoraya Obaid

An Overview of the Geopolitical Landscape and Women’s Rights in the MENA Region
Deniz Kandiyoti, Jean Said Makdisi

Challenges and Opportunities for the Women’s Movement: Feminism, Fundamentalism & Patriarchy

Rabéa Naciri
Women’s Rights and Transitions in a Global Context

Jacqueline Pitanguy – Brazil

April 18th

9:15 – 11:00      Lessons Learned from Recent Engagement with Political Transformations in the MENA Region
Introductory Remarks/Chair:  Zeina Zaatari
Amina Lemrini, Wajeeha Al Baharna, Amal Grami, Asma Khader, Sawsan Zakzak

11:00 – 11:15    Break

11:15 – 1:00      Lessons Learned in Other Regions: International Mechanisms, Transitional Justice, Legal Reform, Citizen Transformation

Introductory Remarks/Chair: Lydia Alpizar-Durán

Sapna Pradhan Mallah, Sanja Sarnavka, Claudia Samayoa, Daptne Cuevas, Shamim Meer

1:00 – 2:30      Break for lunch

2:30 – 4:15     Challenges Women and Feminist Movements Face: Fundamentalism & Patriarchy

Introductory Remarks/Chair: Mahnaz Afkhami

Haideh Moghissi, Maria Consuelo Mejia, Yakin Ertürk, Ho Yock Lin

4:15 – 4:30     Break

4:30 – 6:00    Where Do We Go from Here? Rethinking the Relationship between the State and Women as Individual Citizens

Introductory Remarks/Chair: Musimbi Kanyoro

Rahmah Bourkyah, Amal Abdel Hadi, Gina Vargas

6:00 – 6:30 Closing Remarks