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Manama: Arab women need to steel themselves for a fierce battle against forces keen on obscuring their opportunities, Egypt's first lady Suzanne Mubarak warned in Manama.
"Arab women have made impressive strides forward, but we are still looking for a faster and more expanded participation in all aspects of life, especially that the world is propelled by a robust momentum and moves at a great speed," Suzanne told the media on the sidelines of the Arab Women's Organisation meeting in Bahrain.
"We still have an intense struggle ahead and women must know how to safeguard their rights as they continue their hard work."
But Egypt's first lady added that efforts should also be exerted to improve the negative religious discourse.
"Women have to put up with religious speeches that belittle the role of women and their political empowerment. I know that this is a very sensitive issue, but I believe in holding special workshops to train religious leaders because there is no difference between men and women in religion. The development of any society is the outcome of [conjoint] efforts by men and women," she said.
Women in Muslim countries have often complained that religious leaders did not favour the political, social or economic empowerment of women and have repeatedly resisted attempts to elevate their status.
For Tunisia's first lady Laila Ben Ali, no country can progress if its women are not actively involved in the development process as partners.
"Development and modernisation are collective efforts that should not cease and women, through their competence, have a critical role to play. New and bold ideas should be explored ... to develop the existing legislation and reinforce women's accomplishments," she said on the margins of the conference 'Six Years After the First Arab Women's Summit: Achievements and Challenges'.
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