Mrs Mubarak address women's conference in London

In spite of the turbulent time in the Arab world and the heavy toll on women and children, women had never abdicated their important role as the backbone of families and communities, Egypt's First Lady Suzanne Mubarak said.

The world was increasingly coming to realization that women labor for peace, support economies during difficult moments and invest in small and medium scale industries, she added.

Mrs. Mubarak noted that optimism springs when we realize the significant achievements that have been made by Arab women and that a critical mass of qualified women have emerged and are occupying positions of influence nationally and internationally.

The enabling environment had contributed to these impressive achievements for eliminating violence against women and expanding the participation of women in political and economic decision making, she added.

Mrs. Mubarak underlined necessity to reach marginalized communities and groups such as women and youth in the rural areas enabling them to better access government services and also be in touch with each other and with others around the country.