Beirut, 5 March 2019(ESCWA)--On the International Women’s Day marked on 8 March every year, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Executive Secretary Rola Dashti today urged decision-makers in the Arab region to accelerate their efforts to achieve gender equality and empower all women. The time is now, she stressed.
 
Dashti’s message was delivered in a ceremony that gathered renowned experts, celebrities, and artists who highlighted the significance of gender equality in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
 
This year, ESCWA teamed up with the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (ALBA), University of Balamand to organize the event and Master students designed an ambitious art installation at the UN House.
 
The multimedia installation – which comprised videos, photos, animations as well as interactive artworks using augmented reality (AR) technology – aimed to attract public attention on the worst forms of discrimination facing women in the region.
 
Drawing upon the findings of ESCWA publications, the installation also highlighted the positive role that women play in their communities and some of the many fields where Arab women have excelled.
 
The event kicked off with speeches from ESCWA Executive Secretary, Ms. Rola Dashti, and Mr. Alain Brenas, Director of the School of Cinema and Audio-Visual Directing at Alba. Ms. Nidal Achkar, the Arab cultural icon, shared with the attending guests, including representatives of Arab governments, civil society, academia and diplomatic corps her reflections about women’s situation in the region.
 
Participants enjoyed an artistic performance by Lebanese actress Ms. Natasha Choufani. ALBA students also shared their experience on the preparation of the art installation.

Photos:  https://bit.ly/2ENavlM
 

 
For more information:
-Nabil Abu-Dargham, Head, ECIU, +961-70-993-144; email: dargham@un.org
-Ms Rania Harb, Public Information Assistant, +961-70-008-879; email: harb1@un.org