Egyptian woman should seek self-assertion in coming elections
Egypt, Culture, 5/23/2000

In an interview with Al-Ahram, following her visits to London, Egypt's First Lady Suzanne Mubarak tackled various subjects of utmost importance, despite her busy Schedule full of cultural, social and humanitarian activities.

"For the second consecutive year, the Arab Community, along with Egyptian, takes part in the event in favor of Egyptian disabled children," said the First Lady.

"Everyone is quite convinced of Egypt's pioneering role, and ready to help and to respond to our demands. We'll return back to Egypt with a substantial amount of money devoted to children who have cancer," she added.

"We have a national program to combat cancer, and we have already constructed eight hospitals in Assiut, Alexandria and Aswan. There is an attempt to establish an Egyptian-US association for the welfare of disabled children, on the same model of the Egyptian-British one," she expounded.

"Health is the most important value, and it is just painful to see a sick child, while his family is unable to alleviate his suffering," Mrs Mubarak further added.

"The media has a very important role in this respect, as the characters shown in theater plays and TV series do not reflect the true nature of the Egyptian woman. We have to present useful cultural material rather than focusing on cuisine and fashion programs," Mrs. Mubarak stressed.

"I expect that in the near future, women could have a major portfolio at the Cabinet, or become the speaker at the People's Assembly," she said.

"This step may take some time, but it will happen one day. We didn't consider that the National Council for Women become the nucleus of a new ministry, as the women's affairs cover all fields such as education, health, politics and economy," Mrs. Mubarak added.

"The Council discovered the lack of an efficient database on woman, and we've collected all studies about women to be the starting point for such database," she emphasized.

"We seek to "restore" our going generations by urging them stick to the beautiful values and tradition of our society, which should not be ignored with the hustle of life. I have recently proposed to launch a program of 'Read for Your Child' to address the children prior to the Nursery," she said.

I always see my grandson, Mohamad (3 years), but it is too early to make any plans about his future. He is indeed my weakness. I hope that when he and all his generation reach the age of 20, Egypt would have realized all its dreams and have been well-established in all economic and political domains," she concluded.

Previous Stories:
  First Lady Mubarak asserts support for children with special needs; women's role and the media   (5/16/2000)
  Dr. Sahir Al Qalamawi the all generations Professor   (5/4/2000)
  An Egyptian official source refutes claims over the kidnapping of Coptic girls   (4/24/2000)

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