Laura Bush on Saturday encouraged Middle Eastern leaders to expand women's participation in their societies as she herself took on a new role as an international goodwill ambassador.
After shying away from the spotlight in her husband's first term, Mrs. Bush became the face of women taking on larger public roles with a speech to the World Economic Forum conference on the Middle East. "Freedom is the right to speak, vote and worship freely," she was quoted as saying by Associated Press. She said there has been "extraordinary progress" for
women in the Middle East, adding that the Middle East is making strides in improving democracy. She cited recent elections in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Palestinian territories.
Mrs. Bush said that, besides including women, societies also must expand education for freedom to thrive. "President (George W.) Bush and I want a future of peace and
opportunity for our own daughters and for all the world's children," she said.
