Tunis — The opening ceremony of the Arab Conference to fight violence against women was marked by the handing of the Shield from the Lebanese Council to resist violence against women, to the First Lady, Mrs Leila Ben Ali.

The distinction was awarded to Mrs. Ben Ali by Mrs. Loris Sfeir Shandar for the generous efforts she exerted in the humanitarian sector, and for her numerous initiatives aiming at promoting the conditions of Arab women.

In her address, Mrs Sfeir Shandar hailed Mrs. Ben Ali's initiative to promulgate an Arab Elderly Day , as well as in setting up an Arab commission for international humanitarian law.

She also praised Tunisia's First Lady's initiative to elaborate a common Arab strategy of fight against violence against women, stressing that this initiative is based on a deep understanding of the adverse effects of violence against women on both the family and society.