Global Classroom: Videoconference to Discuss Potential Research Topics

On Thursday, February 3rd we skyped with our colleague Raya Abu Gulal in Abu Dhabi to discuss potential research topics for this project.

Here are some of the topics we discussed:

(1) Egypt - Sexual harassment has been a major problem in the past years. Research laws that protect women from sexual harassment in the schools, workplace, or public.

(2) Israel –Research marriage laws or regulations. Are there civil marriage laws? Or, research domestic violence laws.

(3) Iraq – Human trafficking of women for various purposes. Research the laws and regulations that protect them.

(4) Jordan – Domestic Violence against women and the increase of honor killings. Are there any protection granted to women?

(5) Tunisia - Family law and the protection of women in the event of marriage, divorce, or parental custody disputes.

(6) United Arab Emirates – The lack of laws to protect victims of rape or the difficulties in seeking punishment for those who carry out these crimes.


The students will submit their research topic and country preference on Tuesday, February 6th.

Women Lawyers Group Middle East

My class is partnering with the Women Lawyers Group in the Middle East. We are collaborating with attorney Raya Abu Gulal and her colleagues, who will mentor my students as they work on their comparative legal research projects.

Here is more information about the Women Lawyers Group:

The Women Lawyers Group Middle East is based on the recognition of the direct need for a forum for the exchange of knowledge, experience and initiatives of women in the legal sphere as well as enhancing the professional development of women in the legal field thereby leading to the betterment of the social and economic fabric of society in the Middle East.

About us

The Group will provide social networking opportunities, hosting of functions and events relevant to the legal profession, enhancement of the work life balance of women working in the legal field, professional development opportunities, improving the status of women in the Middle East including their entitlement to equal rights.

The 3 founding members are dynamic ladies who hail from the MENA/GCC region and are professionally qualified international lawyers with long standing experience in various areas of the law as well as an active commitment to social and business issues in the Middle East and North Africa.

Mission statement

• To bring female lawyers across the Middle East and strengthen links between them;
• To undertake studies, research and conferences of Middle Eastern Female lawyers with the view to achieving equality of rights and opportunities;
• To promote the welfare, interests and development of women in the legal profession in the Middle East;
• To promote the highest standards of legal professionalism as dictated by international best practice; and
• To attract females in the Middle East to join the legal profession.

Goals
• Promote women in the legal profession;
• Expansion of the Group;
• Establish world-wide professional and social network for women lawyers;
• Raise awareness of legal matters in society;
• Development initiatives and efforts ; and
• Promote legal education female students.