The social dimension: Progress and shortcomings in the fields of health and education

Health and education are key aspects of human development which have significant implications for women and girls’ well-being. They are also important levers for women’s advancement and the realization of their human rights. As the Beijing Platform summarizes, women’s right to health is “vital to their life and well-being and their ability to participate in all areas of public and private life.” Likewise, “equality of access to and attainment of educational qualifications is necessary if more women are to become agents of change.” This chapter reviews the significant advances made by Arab States in providing women and girls with access to health care and education. Successes in these areas are in fact one of the highlights of the region’s efforts to implement the recommendations of the Beijing Platform for Action. This chapter also describes some remaining challenges in the region, including obstacles that are still encountered by women and girls in obtaining access to comprehensive and high-quality health care and education.

Related Subject(s): Women and Gender Issues