Feb. 4, 2002

Mrs. Mubarak urges Arab women bright picture

In her interview with Arab media women at the end of the two-day women and media forum, held in Abu Dhabi, Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak stressed that the conference is considered a good start for discussing a pivotal issue of media not only in relation to women but also to society at large.

    “We would implement the Charter once it is promulgated. We shall also form committees and prepare our media institutions to set an intellectual framework for media progress,” she added.

    Mrs. Mubarak affirmed that there are no obstacles that may hinder the establishment of the organization of Arab woman.

    “We have presented the idea of such organization on the extraordinary Arab Woman Summit. The proposed organization would give momentum to woman’s advancement. There will be further steps to be taken as for the final resolution concerning the establishment of the organization,” Mrs. Mubarak explained.

    Asked about the future of working Arab woman, Mrs. Mubarak noted that work of Egyptian woman in particular and Arab woman’s in general reflected the progress they achieved.

    “There are strenuous efforts exerted on all walks of life and I believe that Arab media has not yet illustrated women’s high status and positive roles in all fields. Media means must spotlight these efforts,” she continued.

    On he role of media in highlighting the image of Palestinian woman with a view to gaining world sympathy, Mrs. Mubarak said that media can play more active role in this regard since it is the mirror that reflects reality through interviews and illustration of inhuman conditions Palestinian woman lives under Israeli occupation.

    Egypt’s first lady also elaborated that women and media forum is just a beginning of a highly significant issue. “By having the Organization of Arab Woman established we would have an entity and institution to work within to demonstrate the true picture of Arab woman. This is in addition to expressing our opinions on what happens all over the world as concerning Arab woman and Islamic issues,” she noted.

    Questioned about cooperation between Egyptian and Emirate women associations, Mrs. Mubarak stressed that there is a strong cooperation between the two associations adding that UAE has in the last year established a council for childhood and motherhood similar to its Egyptian peer.

    “There is no doubt that other Arab countries would follow suit. There will also be further cooperation in cultural and educational fields,” she remarked.

    As regards her recognition, Mrs. Mubarak said that such gist means a lot to me as it reflects the depth of relations between Egypt and the Emirates. Moreover, I consider Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak a dear sister and a pioneer of woman action in the Gulf as she exerts great efforts alongside Sheikh Zaied for the renaissance of UAE’s woman and society.

    Mrs. Mubarak concluded by urging Arab media women to reflect the right picture of woman in her appearance, character and culture.

    “We should always remember that she is a model to be followed,” she concluded.