Clinton: Women must get role in Mideast transition

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has a message for the would-be democratic reformers of the Middle East: It's time to let women make decisions, too.

Clinton said Tuesday the transitions from autocracy in Egypt and Tunisia cannot continue to block half of society from participating in governance.

The secretary spoke at a ceremony honoring 10 women for efforts from promoting good governance and the education of girls to combating scourges such as sexual harassment, domestic abuse and so-called "honor killings."

Speaking before first lady Michelle Obama, the female president of Kyrgyzstan and prime minister of Australia, Clinton said women who protested against Hosni Mubarak's government expected a role in Egypt's future.

Yet she lamented that no women were included in efforts to redraft the constitution.