Introduction
SALMA
WHY SALMA?
The issue of violence against women and children is not yet sufficiently addressed in the Arab world. Also, there is a growing gap of knowledge and data regarding this issue. Prevalent gender perceptions in the Arab countries still depict men as the stronger sex, the provider of the family, and its representative towards the outside world. In addition, the patriarchal structure of family as well as of society give men considerable power over women and assign women primarily the role of supporters, nurturers, and caregivers.
Since 2003 the Heinrich Boell Stiftung-Arab Middle East Office, in cooperation with the European Commission, manages the project “Life without Violence and Discrimination is Possible.” This project is undertaken in cooperation with ten women organizations from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
WHAT DOES SALMA STAND FOR?
The "SALMA campaign" calls for increased gender equality and improved social and legal position of women in the Arab world, focusing on Egypt, Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The name SALMA was chosen by the partner organizations reflecting the network vision; Salma stands for “strong and healthy woman, living in a peaceful society, free from violence and discrimination.” The project, however, does not only aim to increase protection from domestic violence against women in the Arab countries, but also aspires to create a sustainable network of Arab women’s NGOs.
Building on international reference, the group has adopted a vision based on ‘constructing democratic societies living in freedom, social justice and equality among all human beings without any discrimination whatsoever.’ Thus, the mission is not limited to combating domestic violence and considering it as a public affair nor is it restricted to fighting violence to which women in society and in state institutions are subjected to.
WHAT ARE THE ACTIVITIES AND HOW IS SALMA STRUCTURED?
SALMA project partners are:
1. Association Tunisienne des Femmes Democrates
2. SOS femms en detress
http://www.sos-femmesendetresse.org
3. The Lebanese Council to Resist Violence Against Women
www.lebanesewomen.org
4. Centre FAMA d'Information sur les Droits des Femmes
5. Women Center for Legal Aid and Counseling
www.wclac.org
6. Sisters Arab Forum
www.saf-yemen.org
7. Sisterhood is Global Institute - Jordan
www.sigi-jordan.org
8. Women against Violence- Nazareth
www.wavo.org
9. Women's Empowerment Project
http://www.arabpsynet.com/Associations/GCMHP.ass.htm
10. El Nadim center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence- Magda Adly
http://alnadeem.org/
National Activities
Regional Activities