Role of education in preparing women, and equality of rights

Egypt's First Lady Suzanne Mubarak had said that the main goal of education is to prepare individuals and, consequently, society as a whole, to face a most complicated world which witnesses quick changes and high technology.

"It is incumbent upon us to adopt a rational approach of thinking and respect of the principles of equality and achievement, creativity and enlightened understanding of our heritage and Arab culture and to have the ability to hold dialogue and open on other cultures," she said

In an interview with the Director of the Syrian News Agency in Cairo, Mrs. Mubarak said that the Egyptian government is keen to modernize education and culture to keep pace with contemporary scientific advance

The Egyptian government is launching campaigns to eradicate illiteracy and provide adult education, build one-classroom schools and has launched the "Reading For All" project, the Family Library and Children's Clubs and mother and child welfare projects, projects to serve people of special needs and the education of girls initiative.

Also, the role of women in developing Bahrain's economy was hailed by Shura Council member Dr Nada Hafadh, Gulf Daily News reported. Speaking before the council to mark the occasion of Arab Woman's Day, she said "The women's movement is tied to political and economic developments that Bahrain has witnessed... The development of women cannot be separated from Bahrain's general development process which includes getting rid of all forms of discrimination against women...This will ensure their participation in all of our society's concerns and their equality with men in both their rights and their duties," said Haffadh.

The Gulf Daily News quoted her praising the role played by the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women, chaired by Bahrain's First Lady, Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, as "another important milestone in the women's movement in Bahrain...The council is laying down the foundations for the women's movement and its work will add to the achievements that Bahraini women have already made in the last decades and the current democratic developments," she continued.