(Xinhua) -- Women representatives from 16 Arab countries met on Sunday to shed more light on violence against women in the region and discuss ways to fight against the issue calling for wider role of women in the Arab states.

"Tunisia is keen to unify Arab efforts to protect women from violence and improve their situation in a comprehensive approach to human rights in line with the various international agreements and conventions," Tunisian Minister of Women, Family and Children Sarra Kanoun Jarraya told reporters at the meeting's opening ceremony.

"Violence is not limited to direct physical abuse, but extends to other forms such as preventing women from education and participation in public life," She added.

Jarraya stressed the need to forge a united action and exchange experiences to fight against such issue.

"The aim of this meeting consists in defining efficacious procedures to eradicate violence against women and take benefit from the various Arab expertise and experiences," she said.

During the three-day meeting, representatives of member countries of the Arab Women Organization and civil society looked to identify a preventive and strategic approach and develop joint front to set concrete mechanisms to trim violence against women in Arab societies.

Workshops on women's rights in international conventions are on the agenda of this event. Participants will also discuss Arab women's rights and the legal definition of violence against women.