The president of Reform and Development Party, Anwar Esmat al-Sadat, rejected plans by the Shura Council to discuss a new law on the National Council for Women that would put it under the authority of the Shura Council.
In statements on Tuesday cited by state run news agency MENA, Sadat described the move as a violation of the NCW's work as a national institution concerned with women's affairs.
Sadat added that the NCW should not operate under the authority of the Shura Council because it is not part of the NCW’s work to monitor the performance of the executive authority.
Sadat also said that he does not want to see the problems faced by the National Human Rights Council repeated.
"We should not allow another farce,” he said.
He also condemned conferences held by non-official entities that address women's issues in defiance of the function of the council.
The National Salvation Front had criticized an initiative by the presidency on 24 March to discuss women's rights and freedoms, while largely ignoring the National Women's Council.
Edited translation from MENA
