Women were at the forefront of the struggle against oppressive regimes in North Africa. 'But where are they now?', asked a Gender Equality Committee hearing.

When the Arab Spring turned chilly for women

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In the uprisings  against oppressive regimes

in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and other parts  of North Africa and the Arab World,

women were at the forefront of the struggle.  But where are they now?

The Gender Equality Committee  organised a hearing

on the situation of women  in North Africa today.

We found that they were relegated  to the background

they continue to be humiliated,  abused and disrespected.

In many states the people succeeded  in overthrowing the regime

but the then-termed 'Arab Spring' has  by now turned somewhat chilly for women.

Conservatives and Islamists are gaining  the upper hand in many places,

leaving women vulnerable  to discrimination and abuse.

where women's place as 2nd class citizens  is cemented in the legal system, lies in wait.

MEPs across the political spectrum  are determined to do all they can

to help people and organisations  fighting for women's rights.

We should also send a political message  to these societies' ruling, governing powers:

Without equality there will be  no democracy in the Arab World.

The Committee is preparing  an own initiative report

with suggestions for measures to help  the women's struggle in the region.

It is due to be published in the autumn.