As Egyptians celebrate the first anniversary of the uprising that removed Hosni Mubarak from power, Mary Robinson argues that it is time to challenge the patriarchal norms that continue to restrict women's political participation – and that Egypt's future as a just, democratic and prosperous nation depends on it.

Mary Robinson argues that the events of the Arab Spring emphasise that people everywhere yearn to be free, and that justice and respect for fundamental human rights are universal values.