oa Achieving MDG 1 in the Arab region: Gender equality and role of the families¹

The family has always been the center of social life in the Arab region.(2) It is the core of society and is rab countries, the family is the man social security system for the elderly, sick or disabled, and the economic refuge for the unemployed. Parents are responsible for children until they marry or become economically independent. Children reciprocate by assuming responsibility for the care of their parents as they grow older. Therefore, the health and wellbeing of newly formed families are crucial to the health and wellbeing of Arab societies at large not only today, but also well into the future.