CAIRO: The National Council for Women in Egypt held an opening for their 21st training project, "Developing political skills for women, on July 15, featuring guest speakers Ibtisam Abou Rehab, first woman member in the Shoura council, and Gamalat Rafe', member of parliament. There are 19 featured participants from different governorates, who will be dealing with a series of experts in order to assist and prepare them for future elections. "There will always criticism from people who say that women should just stay at home, said Abou Rehab. "The person running against you will use that and attack the fact that you're a woman. But you have to attack him in a polite manner because you can't afford to stoop to his level. Rehab added that women running in the elections should consider the advantages that they have over a male candidate and vice versa. For example women spend less money on their campaigns, but they can visit the voters at home and directly talk to housewives, something male candidates can't do. "Educational programs in Egypt have to teach the students the importance of women' contribution to politics, said Rafe'. "Women in the political circles organize themselves so that they do not run against each other and their opponents end up being men, so that women can be better dispersed in politics, said Abou Rehab. According to Abou Rehab, the issue that is raised more often during elections is that of unemployment and creating job opportunities for the Egyptian youth, and that all candidates should be prepared to address that topic. The project is divided into two phases: "Training the Trainees , which is a preliminary round, followed by "Political Qualifications .
