Progress of Arab Women 2004

Progress of Arab Women 2004 outlines means to protect women's security in Arab States. The report provides insight into the world of Arab women and identifies progress in their social, economic and political security. While it celebrates the achievements of Arab women to date, it also identifies the challenges and impediments that women face as they work to become effective and powerful stakeholders within their families, communities and societies.

The report covers substantial ground, providing evidence and insight into the vast influences that challenge women's security in the region. It opens with a brief overview of human security and explanation of its role in the region's women's movement. The report continues by analyzing various aspects of human security unique to the Arab culture, including the interrelationship between private and public spheres. The author addresses some implications these have on women's security.

The report investigates various levels of policies — international commitments, national operational policies, and regional customs — to see how they influence women's security and affect the everyday lives of Arab women. The author argues that real security can be achieved only with fundamental shifts in policy, society, economy and polity in the Arab world.