Algeria: Seminar On Violence Against Women

New York — A Seminar on violence toward women ended on October 11 with a series of instructions, in order to match women's condition with national and international changes and to protect her against all forms of violence by redefining her role in Algerian society. Preliminary studies, conducted by the National Center of Studies and Analysis for Planning (CENEAP), SOS Women in Distress, UNIFEM, and UNDP, was utilized as the basis for the debate.

Although the seminar was a milestone for women, since it was the first and only one on this issue, it aroused many critics since it did not reflect an investigation of wide scope. The study only covered four regions: Algiers, Oran, Constantine, and Annaba, and was limited to a few centers for women. Moreover, it completely hid sexual violence against women, such as rape, incest, sexual harassment, political violence, and pedophilia. Mr. El-Hadi Makboul, the head of CENEAP, admitted that some ministerial departments would have been reluctant to endorse certain themes. He conceded that gathering information has been, not only difficult, but not always accurate, since this subject is still taboo in Algeria, and women prefer to remain mute rather than be ostracized from society. Another investigation addressing violence toward women in a more specific manner is underway.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.