WOMEN PLAYING CRITICAL ROLE IN NORTH AFRICAN DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT, UN OFFICIAL SAYS

WOMEN PLAYING CRITICAL ROLE IN NORTH AFRICAN DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT, UN
OFFICIAL SAYS
Women have played a critical role in the pro-democracy protest
movements that have swept across North Africa and the Middle East this
year, and their rights and leadership potential must continue to be
encouraged, the head of the new United Nations entity for gender
equality and women's empowerment
<"http://www.unwomen.org/2011/04/us-secretary-of-state-and-executive-director-of-un-women-discuss-womens-leadership-roles-in-emerging-democracies/">said
today.

Michelle Bachelet, the Executive Director of
<"http://www.unwomen.org/">UN Women, met with United States Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton and other senior US officials today 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 called on US officials to continue advance women's rights
and leadership around the world, particularly in emerging democracies.

"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 following the visit to Washington.