afrol News, 3 March - Tunisia’s First Lady, Leila Ben Ali, has been selected as a chair of the Arab Women Organization (AWO) from 2009 to 2011, Minister of Women, Family, Children and the Elderly, Mrs Sarra Kanoun Jarraya has announced in the Capital Tunis.

Mrs Jarraya said the leadership Tunisia has just resumed will provide an opportunity for the country to further work and improve the Arab women's position in society, saying women play critical role in development and thus the role should be recognised.

The Minister said that there are positive signals on the promotion of the conditions of women in the Arab world, though she said there are also some difficulties which need urgent attention by leaders.

She said Tunisia's term will be marked by great dynamics, pointing to the Head of State's keenness to unify efforts during this period to bless Tunisia's position as a Capital of Arab women and a leading country in advancement of women's rights and adherence to modernity.

National news agency, TAP reported the minister saying that efforts will be focused on highlighting the Tunisian experience in the field of women's promotion and consolidation of their rights.

“Action will also be focused on fostering the organisation's opening on its external environment in order to enhance the image of Arab women and step up the exchange of experiences and expertise in this area,” the minister said.

AWO was established in 2003 with the view to empower Arab women and build their capacities as human beings and citizens. It also seeks to engage women as equal partners in development.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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