Secretary-General of the National Council for Women (NCW) Dr. Furkhanda Hassan confirmed in her interview with Al Ahram Newspaper on 24-3-2007 that constitutional amendments ensure women active representation in the parliament and enhance their role in the society.

Furthermore, the role of the council continues to develop the political capabilities of the women and to support their talents in the political work, public communication and management of election campaigns.

Dr. Furkhanda pointed out that the unprecedented participation in discussing the constitutional amendments on all levels represents a leap in the democratic participation generally. We should be aware of the relation between the constitution and laws and the legislations as it determines principles that would be translated by law to details.

If the constitution determined women minimum representation in the parliament, law-makers have to translate this by law.

She added that it is time to confess that President Gamal Abdul-Nasser was the one who gave the Egyptian women the right to nominate and to elect for the first time in Egypt in 1956 Constitution. But the political participation of women remained limited until now due to the cultural background, society viewpoint, women opinion towards themselves and appropriate climate that enables women participate and develop their abilities. By all these factors, women could be helpful in the Egyptian political action. It is not enough for women to seek their rights, but they must have competences for an active partake.

Dr. Furkhanda made it clear that the council will go ahead organizing training courses for developing women's political competences, talents of political work, public communication and election campaigns managing until they would be able to compete. And, this will pressurize parties to raise their female political cadres.

On the legislative side, NCW has its role based on its related presidential decree. The council then has the right to give opinions in any legislation where the women have a right in, as the council will monitor the legislations that will be issued as a result of the constitutional amendments.