The National Salvation Government … Which Salvation without Women’s Participation

(Cairo, December 8, 2011)The ECWR finds the composition of the newly appointed cabinet disappointing. Following a series of consultations that resulted in delay, the new government is expected to fulfill the demands of the 25th of January Revolution and lead Egypt through the democratic transitional period.
Granting the prime minister with controversial presidential powers as well as appointing only three female ministers out of 29 positions, has led ECWR to doubt the independency of the new government.
The limited number of female ministers reflects systematic exclusion of women from the decisions making process, which carries political implications. We have witnessed the same trend in creation of the first post- revolution cabinet. Without a more inclusive government that reflects higher gender balance representing both men and women, how can the newly elected government fulfill the Revolution’s democratic
promises?
Furthermore, the positions that are awarded to female prime ministers are limited to the area of health, education and media, reflecting a serious bias in understanding women’s role in the political life of Egypt. Although these areas include a significant number of women, they reflect an outdated view that has not progressed since 1960s when first women was appointed as the Minister of Insurance and Social Affairs.