Activist: Women are still overlooked

Egyptian activist Dr Azza Kamal Cairo – Dalia Ahmad Egyptian activist Dr Azza Kamal criticised the new constitution’s continued disregard to the rights of women and children. Kamal, who is also the coordinator of Women Parliament initiative said "we have presented our document about woman rights in the new constitution to President Morsi, but all our demands and efforts were neglected." She mentioned that "the new constitution don’t include any guarantees to protect women from violence. The law on human trafficking for example could be easily manipulated, which indeed opened the door for early marriage." Kamal added that about 15 parties and 30 alliances, movements, and organizations will participate in meeting with activists and civil society members on Wednesday. She said, "We will never lose hope, we are insisting on a constitution representing Egyptian woman and children." The activist launched Woman Parliament initiative after the revolution. The initiative aims to build women’s skills and qualifications in local and national legislative councils, mobilize public opinions about women issues, establishing equality between men and women. The initiative will extend to monitor the governmental performance and follow up on policies and resolutions concentrating on women rights.