The Arab Spring provides a crucible for addressing the questions of represent...

The Arab Spring provides a crucible for addressing the questions of representation and participation of women. Striking and inspirational early roles in Cairo, Benghazi and elsewhere have given way to a sense of women being side-lined. The risks for women are obvious: revolutions begin on the streets but, at a later stage, key decisions may be taken in smoke filled rooms. In that transition, women all too easily lose out: their courage helped to make the revolution but their inexperience of power can allow others to shape the outcomes. Special Representative Wallstrom has previously referred to the risk that the Arab Spring could turn into a cold winter for Arab women. As these societies and interim governments continue to adjust and to settle, the international community must use its leverage to ensure that democratic changes underway are seen through - and that the full role promised to women is realised.