THE HAGUE, 04/07/03 - Princess Maxima is taking seat on a committee for the emancipation of Moslem women. The working party will be chaired by former leftwing Green (GroenLinks) leader Paul Rosenmoller.

The committee "will stimulate the participation of women from immigrant backgrounds in all facets of Dutch society," which refers to both social participation and participation in the labour market. In addition to Maxima and Rosenmoller, the committee will include former conservative (VVD) leader Hans Dijkstal, former chairman of small and medium-sized businesses organization MKB Hans de Boer, KPMG managing director Yasemin Tumer, and InHolland professional university director Lilian Callender.

The committee is being set up by Social Affairs Minister Aart Jan de Geus and Integration Minister Rita Verdonk. It is intended to support local authorities in their policies to foster the participation of women from ethnic groups, especially Turks and Moroccans. It will also monitor the implementation of cabinet policy in this area. A start-up conference will take place at the beginning of September.