Al Qathafi determined to give Libyan women equal rights

Libya's Leader of the Revolution Colonel Muammar al Qathafi Thursday was presented with a medal, in recognition of his efforts in the enhancement of women's freedom and upgrading women status in Libyan society.

Al Qathafi addressed the women officers in varius Libyan institutions and said that "the reason for dedicating this year's anniversary of the great al Fateh Revolution to the honouring of Libyan women and demonstrating her power is that Libyan women score highly, at a time when men are being complacent and left women to be at the forefront," the official Libyan news agency quoted him saying in a report.

Al Qathafi "emphasized that the reason for honoring women by the great al Fateh Revolution is to reward women for their efforts in all areas, as women responded to the cry of freedom," asserting that "Libyan women assume the first place amongst Arab women in venturing various areas."

Al Qathafi praised "the African women who are prominent amongst world women as having strong characters and play important roles within their societies."

Al Qathafi said Libya is determined to establish a society "where there is total equality between men and women."