Egyptian human rights groups on Tuesday criticized what they called under-representation of women in the country's new government. Planning and International Cooperation Minister Fayza Abouelnaga is the only woman in Prime Minister Essam Sharaf's proposed new cabinet. A statement by six human rights groups, including three feminist organizations, said the absence of women is unacceptable for a revolutionary government. Ignoring women is no longer acceptable, especially during the country's current critical stage, the groups' statement said. It highlighted the fact that ministries included in the shuffle have many prominent, qualified women. "This ignorance conforms to the government's broader policy of bypassing women's issues and marginalizing them in the decision-making process in particular," the statement said. "It is unacceptable that two reshuffles in less than six months ignore women in that shameful manner." The rights groups said the cabinet should include at least four female ministers and called for the government to reconsider its choices. Sharaf had announced a cabinet reshuffle in response to demands of protesters who began a sit-in at Tahrir Square. After originally scheduling the swearing in for Monday and then pushing it to Tuesday, the government postponed the ceremony again. No new date has been announced. Sharaf ordered the ministers who will lose their jobs to continue working until new ministers are sworn in.
