The lack of womenÆs empowerment in both Latin America and the Arab states region is overwhelming. From high maternal mortality rates, economic gender gaps, and lack of access to educational, employment and political opportunities, women in both regions continue to lack empowerment. In both regions sorely needed resources for human development are used for military operations. Military operations in both regions often sap resources that are needed to provide social benefits in the old ôbullets over breadö philosophy of warfare instead of and at the expense of social improvements. Education is one aspect of society that continues to suffer in quality because of the enormous expenditures on military efforts that divert funding from social programs. My personal perspective on this panel presentation is one of mixed emotions. I firmly believe that corrupt regimes and non-democratic institutions are responsible for the lack of human development progress in both Latin America and the Arab states. Without guaranteeing certain freedoms in markets, institutions and to individuals, many of the human development issues facing both regions will continue to plague the economic, political and social environment of each. However, implying that only democratic institutions are valuable fails to take into consideration the unique political, economic, and social histories of each region. While the U.S. may hope to see advances in human development in both regions, issues like Israel continue to thwart relations between the U.S. and Arab states. Such issues must first be resolved before Arab states are willing to negotiate with the Western world to help improve human development by adopting Western institutions and practices. Governance, Knowledge and WomenÆs Empowerment ove their economic, social and political environments in ways that better their states and their peoples. Goals in both regions revolve around increasing educational opportunities and access for childre |
