Dubai Women Establishment (DWE)' latest gathering of influential women leaders held discussions on the implications of a controversial challenge to the development of women in the UAE and the GCC region.

The fourth thought-provoking session of the Emarati Leaders Gathering (ELG) was held under the topic “Violence Against Women – Roots and Implications,” at the Royal Ballroom, The Palace Hotel, Dubai.

Top speakers including Afra Al Basti, executive director of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children; Dr Suad Al Marzouqi, assistant professor, Emirates University Psychology Department; and Abdul Salaam Darwish, head of Family Reconciliation Department, Dubai Courts provided a multi-dimensional analysis of the problem by presenting social, psychological and legal perspectives.

The stimulating discussion was moderated by Aisha Al Suwaidi - director of DWE Women Leadership Development Department.

'We, at DWE have a strong motivation to facilitate quality discussion on pertinent issues that have a direct impact on the lives of women in the Arab region, providing a context for the imparting of information and sharing of perspectives among influential women leaders,' said Al Suwaidi.

'It is our hope that DWE’s efforts will promote further dialogue and awareness so that the plight of women affected by these issues can be exposed and challenges to the enrichment and advancement of Emirati women, such as violence against women, can be combatted at all levels,” she added.

Al Suwaidi pointed out that the impact of this dilemma was far reaching and extended to the perception and value of Arab women.

'This perception is of great significance to DWE as our primary objective in hosting the ELG is informed by a broader vision to support UAE working women and to enhance their position and participation in the development of their society” she noted.

The discussion presented a number of hard-hitting questions and also sought to provide possible answers, solutions and recommendations.

Points of discussion included defining violence through its accompanying behaviours; the prevalence of violence against women in the GCC and Arab World and the psychological, social and economic consequences as well as the possible contributing factors.

The discussion also placed the Islamic stance under the spotlight, and examined the role of religion and how it can be used to prevent incidences of violence against women and uphold their rights, Al Suwaidi pointed out.

“Women are a precious commodity to every society, whether they are working professionals or mothers nurturing the future generation – they are an invaluable asset that has the capacity to make a vital contribution across all spheres of life and it is essential that this asset is protected and developed,” she added.-TradeArabia News Service