Women playing key role in African democracy demos
By Sharon Tibenda
11th April 2011
File Photo: Women protest against Mubarak
Women have played a critical role in the pro-democracy protest movements that have swept across North Africa and the Middle East this year, a top UN official has said.
Michelle Bachelet, the Executive Director of the new United Nations entity for gender equality and women’s empowerment said on 7th April that women’s rights and leadership potential must continue to be encouraged. “…In Egypt and Tunisia, women have played a key role in the movement for democracy and their legal rights and decision-making within the transitional structures are critical”, Ms. Bachelet said in a press release issued by her office.
She made the remarks after she met with United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other senior US officials during a visit to Washington, D.C. that focused on how to advance women’s political participation, economic empowerment, and ending violence against women.
Ms. Bachelet also called on the US officials to continue advancing women’s rights and leadership around the world, particularly in emerging democracies. END. Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.
