CAIRO: Women participation in democratic development is a political must and a non-negotiable matter in the Arab uprisings, said executive director of the UN for Women's Affairs and former president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet. Caretakers should link economic revival with justice, she said during a press conference titled, "Women's Role in the Transition to Democracy Assisting International Experiences." She said all social classes have to realize they have a shared interest in the future. Development is like a game, so if anyone wants to play it he will participate with all members of his team, whether they are men or women. "We do not accept half teams from either side," Bachelet added. "It is time to make sure that all voices are heard, and that all the interests of women and girls is equal to the interests of men and boys, said Bachelet. She said the media has a great role in increasing awareness of equality between men and women. The conference called upon the government to create the required environment in order to achieve equality. It also called for non-governmental organization to tackle women issues starting with the basics.
